President Washington 
Diaries 

1791-1799. 



Library Edition 



COMPILED BY 

JOS, A, HOSKiNS 



President Washington s 

Diaries 
1791 to 1799 



Transcribed and Compiled 

by 
JOS. A. HOSKINS 




1921 



Summerfield, N. C. 






"Long shall we seek his likeness long 

in vain; 

And turn to all of him which may remain, 
Sighing that nature formed but only one 
And broke the die in moulding Washing 
ton." 



Lincoln s Tribute to 
Washington 

Washington is the mightiest name on 
earth. Long since mightiest in the cause of 
civil liberty; still mightiest in the moral 
reformation. On that name a eulogy is 
expected. It cannot be. To add brightness 
to the sun or glory to the name of Wash 
ington is alike impossible. Let none at 
tempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the 
name, and in its naked, deathless splendor 
leave it shining on. 



The Golden Rule Press, Greensboro, N. C. 
All rights reserved 



Foreword 

The editing and publishing of President Washington s 
diaries is here undertaken with the view of presenting 
all that are extant from the year 1791 to 1799. They are 
fragmentary but very interesting. 

The search for the unpublished parts of the diary was 
instituted for the purpose of proving the fact of Pres 
ident Washington s visit to Guilford County, North Car 
olina, and its famous battlefield, on his Southern Tour. 
It was traditional knowledge in the family of the writer, 
and, while the facts concerning the visit had faded from 
the minds of all others, it remained firmly fixed with 
him. It was while pondering over Lossing s Imprint of 
the Southern Tour that he became convinced that there 
must be more of the Journal, and that, if found, it would 
settle the mooted question. 

Lossing stopped June 1st, 1791, (Salem, N. C.) My 
transcription begins where he left off, and takes the Pres 
ident to Guilford Courthouse, on June 2nd, and on through 
North Carolina and Virginia to Mount Vernon, where 
he arrived June 12th, and Philadelphia July 6th. At this 
time Washington was President of the United States. 

The trip to Georgetown, to the Federal City and on to 
Philadelphia began June 27th, 1791. He travelled by way 
of the upper road through Williamsburgh, Fredericktown, 
Taneytown, Lyttlestown,, Hanover (commonly called Mc- 
Allistertown) , Yorktown and Lancaster. He describes the 
towns and the intervening country. While in the Federal 
City he conferred with Maj. L Enfant and Mr. Ellicott, 
and selected the spots on which the buildings for the 
Executive Departments and the President s house were 
to be located. He directed Maj. L Enfant to change the 
location of a certain street, so as to leave out a spring 



V * *. 



(commonly known as the Cool Spring) belonging to Maj. 
Stoddart. 

In 1794 we find him accompanying the army from Phil 
adelphia to the Rendezvous at Carlisle, passing through 
Norristown, The Trap, Potts Grove, Reading, Meyersi- 
town, Lebanon, Humelstown, and Harrisburg. This was 
the Whiskey Rebellion Campaign. At Bedford he delivered 
a speech to the insurgents. This speech has probably 
never been published before. He here received Messrs. 
Riddick and Tindley, representatives of the insurgents, 
and their speeches are given in his diary. The President 
and the army marched thence to the Rendezvous at Bed 
ford, passing Shippensburgh, Green Castle, Williamsport 
(Maryland,) Cumberland, (Maryland,) Frankfort, and 
on to Bedford. 

In November, 1798, he gives an account of his triumphal 
progress to Philadelphia, by way of the lower road. On 
this journey he stopped and was entertained at the Fed 
eral City, Bladensburg, Spurriers, Baltimore, Websters, 
Hartford, Susquehanna, Elkton, Christianna, Wilmington 
and Chester. At this time he was Commander of the army, 
with Major Gen l Alexander Hamilton second in com 
mand. This was during the period of the French Imbro 
glio. General Washington was dined and feted in Phila 
delphia by President Adams and others. He names his 
entertainers. 

The diary that Washington kept at Mount Vernon i 
largely interesting because it is an account of the guests 
who came and went after enjoying his hospitality. The 
name of each is given, and hundreds are mentioned, the 
famous people of the day. From another viewpoint this 
part of the diary is interesting. It shows the painstak 
ing, methodical Washington, in that hardly a day is pass 
ed that accurate and careful mention of the weather is 
not made, the thermoneter and barometer readings re 
corded and the direction of the wind stated. Many of 
these weather observations have been omitted from thig 

6 



transcript, only enough of them being retained to show 
Washington s carefulness and diligence in all things. The 
last entry in the diary (in his own hand) was made De 
cember 13th, 1799. He died the following day. 

His entire Southern Tour is here presented, beginning 
at Phila. March 21, 1791, giving names of scores of towns 
visited in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Many of 
these are now large towns and cities. This part of the 
diary is full of local color. 

In confirmation of the claims set forth above an edito 
rial from the Greeensboro Daily News, under date of 
February 15th, 1920, and a letter from the Library of 
Congress are herewith copied and appended. 

Editorial Greensboro Daily News, Feb. 15th, 1820 
"The discovery of th e evidence in the handwriting of the first 
President that George Washington visited Guilford County on 
his southern tour was made by J. A. Hoskins. It is most improb 
able that the facts were ever published prior to their publication 
by Mr. Hoskins in the Daily News of December 12, 1919. They 
are certainly unknown to contemporary North Carolina historians, 
which means that they had not become facts of historical record; 
it is not therefore too much to say that the circumstances were 
unknown to history. 

It was well enough known that the diary of President Washing 
ton lay in the archives of the government at Washington. The 
contents have been in part edited and published, but for some 
reason the compiler stopped just short of the circumstances re 
corded in the diary which are of most personal interest to North 
Carolina people. 

Mr. Hoskins had, to be sure, a starting point It was traditional 
knowledge in his family; a part of those spoken records, records 
transmitted from generation to generation, and which may be im 
plicitly believed, but of which no competent evidence exists. Mr. 
Hoskins sought long for that evidence, and it finally occurred to 
him that the diary of the Southern Tour ought to dispose of the 
matter. He accordingly applied to the Library of Congress, and 
was furnishing a photostatic copy of the manuscript. There can be 
no question of its authenticity, and no one questions it; on the 



ontrary, North Carolina historians give Mr. Hoskins credit for 
the discovery of a rare gem of historical knowledge. 

It is this same investigater who has produced the evidence that 
Dolly Madison was born at New Garden (Guilford College) N. C. 
and that Andrew Jackson was a resident of the county and a 
member of the Guilford bar which evidence he had published 
hitherto in the Daily News, but he has refrained from announcing 
any of his discoveries until able to clinch them. 

It is doubted if the narrative has ever appeared in print until 
set up by the compositors of this office. 

Letter, Oct. 20th, 1920 
(From the Library of Congress) 

"The assistant chief of the manuscript division reports that 
everything that we have between June 27, 1791, and December 
13th, 1799 has been sent you." 

My trancriptions are made from photastat copies of the 
the original notebooks in Washington s own handwriting. 
His spelling, abreviations and punctuation are ob 
served as near as possible. 

JOS. A. HOSKINS, 

Elmhurst Farm, 

Summerfield, N. C. 
November 18th, 1920. 



Washington s Diary 

Monday, March 21-1791 

Left Philadelphia about 11 o clock to make a tour 
through the Southern States. Reached Chester about 
3 o c dined and lodged at Mr. Wythes In this tour I 
was accompanied by Maj. Jackson My equipage and at 
tendance consisted of a chariot and four horses drove in 
hand a light baggage waggon and two-four saddle horses 
besides a led one for myself and five to wit my Valet 
De Chambre two footmen, Coachman, and postillion. 

March 22. 

At half past six o c. we lett Chester and breakfasted at 
Wilmington crossing Christiana Creek proceeded 
through New Castle and by the Red Lyon to Buck tavern 
13 miles, from New Castle and 19 from Wilmington where 
we dined and lodged. 

March 23. 

Set off at 6 o c breakfasted at Warwick bated with 
hay 9 miles farther and dined & lodged at the house of 
one Worrell s in Chester (town). 

March 24. 

Left Chestertown about 6 o c before nine I arrived at 
Rock Hall (on Chesapeake Bay) where we breakfasted 
and immediately after which we began to embark. After 
8 o c P M we made the mouth of Severn River (leading up 
to Annapolis) but the ignorance of the people on board 
with respect to the navigation of it ran us aground first 
on Greenbury point from whence with much exertion 

9 



10 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

and difficulty we got off and then having no knowledge 
of the Channel and the night being immensely dark with 
heavy and variable squalls of wind constant lightning 
& tremendous thunder we soon got aground again on 
what is calleed Home s Point where finding all efforts 
in vain and not knowing where we were we remained not 
knowing what might happen till morning. 

March 25. 

Having Lain all night in my great coat & Boots in a 
birth not long enough for me by the head and much 
cramped, we found ourselves in the morning within about 
one mile of Annapolis & still fast aground. Whilst we 
were preparing our Small Boat in order to land in it, a 
sailing Boat came off to our assistance in wch. with the 
baggage I had on board, I landed was informed upon my 
arrival (when 15 guns were fired) that all my other 
horses arrived safe that embarked at the same time I 
did, about 8 o c last night was waited upon by the Gov 
ernor (John Eager Howard) as soon as I arrived at Man s 
Tavern and was engaged by him to dine with the citizens 
of Annapolis this day at Mann s Tavern, and at his house 
tomorrow. The first I accordingly did. 

March 26 

Dined at the governors and went to the assembly in 
the evening where I stayed till half past 10 o c. 

March 27. 

About 9 o c this morning I left Annapolis under a dis 
charge of Artillery and being accompanied by the Gov 
ernor, a Mr. Kilty of the Council and Mr. Charles Stuart 
proceeded on my Journey for Georgetown. Bated at 
Queen Ann 13 miles distant and dined and lodged at 
Bladensburgh. 

March 28. 

Left Bladensburgh at half after six and breakfasted 
at Georgetown about 8, where having appointed the 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 11 

Commissioners under the Residence Law to meet me I 
found Mr. (Thomas) Johnson one of them (and who is 
chief Justice of the State) in waiting and soon after 
came in David Stuart and Dan l Carroll, Esq s. the other 
two (a few miles out of town I was met by the princi 
pal citizens of the place and escorted by them and dined 
at Suter s Tavern where I also lodged at a public dinner 
given by the Mayor and Corporation previous to which 
I examined the surveys of Mr. (Andrew) Ellicott who had 
been sent on to lay out the District of ten mlies square for 
the federal seat; and also the works of Maj.L Enfant who 
had been engaged to examine and make a draught of the 
grds. in the vicinity of Georgetown and Carrollsburgh on 
the Eastern branch. 

March 29. 

Finding the interests of the Land owners about George 
town and those about Carrollsburgh much at variance and 
that their fears and jealousies of each were counteract 
ing the public purposes and might prove injurious to its 
best interest whilst if properly managed they might be 
made to subserve it I requested them to meet me at six 
o c this afternoon at my lodgings which they accordingly 
did dined at Forrest s today with the Commissioners 
& others. 

March 30 

The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday even 
ing having taken the matter into consideration saw the 
propriety of my observations and that whilst they were 
contending for the shadow they might loose the sub 
stance; and therefore mutually agreed and entered into 
articles to surrender for .public purposes one half of the 
land they severally possessed within bounds which were 
designated as necessary for the City to stand. This busi 
ness being thus happily finished and some directions 
given to the Commissioners, the surveyor and engineer 



12 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

with respect to mode of laying out the district survey 
ing the grounds for the city and forming them into lots. 
I left Georgetown-dined in Alexandria and reached Mt. 
Vernon in the evening. 

Thursday, March 31st. 

From this time until 7th of April I remained at Mt. 
V. visiting my Plantations every day. 

Thursday, 7 April 

Recommenced my journey with Horses apparently 
much refreshed and in good spirits. 

In attempting to cross the ferry at Colchester with the 
four horses hitched to the Chariot by the neglect of the 
person who stood before them, one of the leaders got 
overboard when the boat was in swimming water and 50 
yards from the shore with much difficulty he escaped 
drowning before he could be disengaged His struggling 
frightened the others in such a manner that one after an 
other and in quick succession they all got overboard har 
nessed and fastened as they were and with the utmost 
difficulty they were saved & the Carriage escaped being 
dragged after them, as the whole of it happened in swim 
ming water & at a distance from the shore Providen- 
cially, indeed miracously, by the exertions of the people 
who put off in Boats & jumped into the River as soon as 
the Batteau was forced into wading water no damage 
was sustained by the horses, Carriage or Harness. 

Proceeded to Dumfries where I dined, after which I 
visited & drank Tea with my Niece Mrs. Thos. Lee. 

Friday, 8th. 

Set out about 6 o clock breakfasted at Stafford Court 
House and dined and lodged at my Sister Lewi s in 
Frederick sburg. * 

*His sister Elizab eth married Colonel Fielding Lewis. His son, 
Lawrence Lewis, was Washington s favorite nephew. He married 
Nellie Custis, Mrs. Washington s granddaughter, and resided with 
her at Mount Vernon at the timie of Washington s death. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 II 

Saturday, 9th. 

Dined at an entertainment given by the Citizens of 
the town. Received and answered an address from the 
Corporation. 

Was informed by Mr. Jno. Lewis, who had, not long 
since been in Richmond, that Mr. Patrick Henry avowed 
his interest in the Yazoo Company ;* and made him a ten 
der of admission in to it, which he declined but asking 
if the Company did not expect the Settlement of the 
lands would be disagreeable to the Indians was answered 
by Mr. Henry that the Co. intended to apply to Congress 
for protection which if not granted they would have re 
course to their own means to protect the settlement. That 
General Scott had a certain quantity of Land (I think 
40,000 acres in the Company s grant & was to have the 
command of the force which was to make the establish 
ment and more over that General Muhlenburg had of 
fered 1000 for a certain part of the grant the quanti 
ty I do not recollect if it was mentioned to me. 

Sunday, 10th. 

Left Fredericsburg about 6 o clock myself, Majr. 
Jackson and one servant breakfasted at General Spots- 

*The first legislature of Georgia, after the adoption of tha 
Federal Constitution undertook to sell out, to three private com 
panies, the pre-emption right to vast tracts of land west of the 
Chattahoochee River, unmindful of any rightful claim of th 
Indians. They were called the Yazoo Land Companies. They 
sold to the South Carolina Yazoo Company 5,000,000 acres for 
$66,964; to the Virginia Yazoo Company 7,000,000 acres for 
$93,742; and to the Tennessee Yazoo Company, 3,500,000 acres for 
$46,875. These companies not complying with the requirements 
of the sale, a succeeding legislature declared the bargain a nul 
lity. Some of the purchasers contested the claims, and litigations 
arose, which became still more complicated when the same lands 
were sold to other companies. 



14 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

woodf the rest of my Servants continued on to Todd s 
Ordinary where they also breakfasted. Dined at the Bowl 
ing Green and lodged at Kenner s Tavern 14 miles far 
ther in all 35 m. 

Monday, llth. 

Took an e?rly breakfast at Kenner s bated at one 
Rawling s half way between that & Richmd. and, dined 
at the latter about 3 o clock. On my arrival was saluted 
by the Cannon of the place waited on by the Governor* 
and other Gentlemen and saw the City illuminated at 
night. 

Tuesday 12th. 

In company with the Governor, The Directors of the 
James River Navigation CompanyJ the Manager & 
many other Gentlemen I viewed the Canal, Sluces 
Locks, & other works between the City of Richmond & 
Westham. These together have brought the navigation 
to within ia mile and half, or mile and % of the proposed 
Bason from which the Boats by means of Locks are to 
communicate with the tide water navigation below. The 
Canal is of sufficient depth everywhere but in places not 
brought to its proper width ; it seems to be perfectly 
secure against Ice, Freshes & drift wood The locks at 
the head of these works are simple altogether of hewn 
stone, except the gates & cills and very easy & conve 
nient to work, there are two of them, each calculated 
to raise and lower 6 feet they cost according to the 

fAlexander Spotswood, an officer in the continental army. He 
and Washington were intimate friends, and frequently correspond 
ed on agricultuarl subjects. 

*Henry Lee. He was the son of Washington s first love the 
"Lowland B eauty" of whom he was enamored when only sixteen 
years of age. Lee was the celebrated leader of the "Legion" in 
the Southern campaigns. 

^Washington was president of this company. It had been 
formed several years before, for the purpose of promoting the 
internal commerce of the State. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 15 

* 

Manager s, Mr. Harris acct. about 3000 but I could see 
nothing in them to require such a sum to erect them. 
The Sluces in the River between the locks and the mouth 
of the Canal are well graduated and easy of assent To 
complete the Canal from the point to which it is now 
opened, and the Locks at the foot of them, Mr. Harris 
thinks will require 3 years. 

Received -an address from the Mayor, Aldermen & Com 
mon Council of the City of Richmond at three o clock, & 
dined with the Governor at 4 o clock. 

In the course of my inquiries chiefly from Colo. Car- 
rington* I cannot discover that any discontents prevail 
among the people at large, at the proceedings of Con 
gress. The conduct of the Assembly respecting the as- 
sumptionf he thinks is condemned by them as intemper 
ate & unwise and he seems to have no doubt but that the 
Excise law, as it was called may be executed without 
difficulty nay more, that it will become popular in a little 
time His duty as Marshal having carried him through 
all parts of the State lately, and of course given him the 
best means of ascertaining the temper & disposition of 
its Inhabitants he thinks them favorable towards the 
General Government & that they only require to have 
matters explained to them in order to obain their full 
assent to the measure adopted by it. 

"Colonel Edward Carrington, who was a meritorious officer in 
the campaigns in the South during the Revolution. He was now 
active as a United States marshal for a large district in Virginia. 

f A part of Hamilton s financial scheme for the United States 
was the assumption of the respective States debts by the general 
Government This gave rise to violent opposition, and was the 
chief cause of Jefferson s bitter hostility to Hamilton. Out of 
the party feelings engendered by the assumption scheme grew the 
Republican party, and during the latter years of Washington s 
administration gave him much trouble because of the unkind spirit 
of opposition to the measures of his government. 

. r 

r 



16 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Wednesday, 13th 

Fixed with Colo. Carrington (the supervisor of the dis 
trict) the surveys of Inspection for the District of this 
State & named the characters for them an acct. of which 
was transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. 

Dined at a public entertainment given by the Corpora 
tion of Richmond. 

The buildings in this place have increased a good deal 
since I was here last, but they are not of the best kind, 
the number of Souls in the City are . 

Thursday, 14th. 

Left Richmond after an early breakfast & passing 
through Manchester received a Salute from cannon & an 
Escort of Horse under the command of Captn David 
Meade Randolph as far as Osbornes* when I was met by 
the Petersburg Horse & escorted to that place & partook 
of a Public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation and 
went to an Assembly in the evening for the occasion at 
which there were between 60 & 70 ladies. 

Petersburgh which is said to contain near 3000 Souls is 
well situated for trade at present, but when the James 
River navigation is completed and the cut from Elizabeth 
River to Pasquotank effected it must decline & that very 
considerably. At present it receives at the Inspections 
nearly a. third of the Tobacco exported from the whole 
State besides a considerable quantity of Wheat and flour 
much of the former being Manufactured at the Mills 
near the Town Chief of the buildings, in this town are 



*A point between Richmond and Petersburgh, where troops 
under the traitor Arnold, and the republicans, had a severe skir 
mish in April, 1781. A prisoner captured by Arnold at that time 
was asked by him, "If the Americans should catch me, what would 
they do with me?" The Soldier promptly replied, "They would 
bury with military honors the leg which was wounded at Quebec 
and Saratoga, and hang the remainder of you upon a gibbet." 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 17 

under the hill & unpleasantly situated, but the heights 
around it are agreeable. 

The road from Richmond to this place passes through 
a poor country principally covered with Pine except the 
interval lands on the River which we left on our left. 

Friday, 15th. 

Having suffered very much by the dust yesterday 
and finding that parties of horse, & a number of other 
Gentlemen were intending to attend me part of the way 
today, I caused their enquiries respecting the time of my 
setting out, to be answered that, I should endeavor to do 
it before eight o clock; but I did it a little after five, by 
which means I avoided the inconvenience above mention 
ed. 

I came twelve miles to breakfast, at one Jesse Lee s, a 
tavern newly set upon a small scale, and 15 miles farther 
to dinner ; and where I lodged, at the House of one Oliver, 
which is a good one for horses, and where there are toler 
able clean ^beds. For want of proper stages I could go 
no farther. The Road along which I travelled today is 
through a level piney Country, until I came to Nottoway,* 
on which there seems to be some good land, the rest is 
very poor & seems scarce of Water. 

Finding that the two horses wch. drew my baggage 
wagon were rather too light for the draught; and, (one 
of them especially) losing his flesh fast, I engaged two 
horses to be at this place this evening to carry it to the 
next stage 20 miles off in the morning, and sent them on 
led to be there ready for me. 

Saturday, 16th. 

Got into my Carriage a little after 5 o clock, and trav 
elled thro a cloud of dust until I came within two or three 



Nottoway River. This with the Meherrin forma the Chow- 
an River, that empties into Albemarle Sound. 



18 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

miles of Hix s ford when it began to Rain. Breakfasted 
at one Andrews a small but decent House about a mile 
after passing the ford (or rather the bridge) over Meher- 
rin River. Although raining moderately, but with ap 
pearances of breaking up, I continued my journey in 
duced to it by the crowds which were coming in to a gen 
eral Muster at the Court House of Greenville, who would 
I presumed soon have made the HO. I was in too noizy 
to be agreeable. I had not however rode two miles be 
fore it began to be stormy, & to rain violently which, with 
some intervals, it contin d to do the whole afternoon. 
The uncomfortableness of it, for Men & Horses, would 
have induced me to put up ; but the only inn short of Hal- 
lifax having no stables in wch. the horses could be com 
fortable, & no Rooms or beds which appeared tolerable, 
& everything else having a dirty appearance, I was com 
pelled to keep on to Hallifax; 27 miles from Andrews 
48 from Olivers and 75 from Petersburgh 

At this place (i.e. Halifax) I arrived about six o clock, 
after crossing the Roanoke; on the South bank of which 
it stands. 

This river is crossed in flat Boats which take in a Car 
riage & four horses at once. At this time, being low, 
the water was not rapid but at times it must be much so, 
as it frequently overflows its banks which appear to be 
at least 25 ft. perpendicular height. 

The lands upon the River appear rich, & the low 
grounds of considerable width but those which lay be 
tween the different Rivers namely Appomattox, Notta- 
way, Meherrin and Roanoke are all alike flat, poor & cov 
ered principally with pine timber. 

It has already been observed that before the Rain fell, 
I was travelling in a continued cloud of dust but after it 
had rained some time, the Scene was reversed, and my 
passage was through water; so level are the Roads. 

From Petersburg to Halifax (in sight of the Road) are 
but few good Houses, with small appearance of wealth. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 19 

The lands are cultivated in Tobacco Corn Wheat & 
Oats, but Tobacco and the raising of Porke for market, 
seems to be the principal dependence of the Inhabitants ; 
especially towards the Roanoke, Cotton & Flax are also 
raised but not extensively. 

Hallifax is the first town I came to after passing the 
line between the two States, and is about 20 miles from 
it. To this place vessels by the aid of Oars and Setting 
poles are brought for the produce which comes to this 
place, and others along the River; and may be carried 8 
or 10 miles higher to the falls which are neither great nor 
of much extent ; above these (which are called the great 
falls) there are others; but none but what may with a 
little improvement be passed. This town stands upon 
high ground; and it is the reason given for not placing 
it at the head of the navigation there being none but low 
ground between it and the falls It seems to be in a de 
cline & does not it is said contain a thousand Souls. * 

Sunday, 17th. 

Col. Ashe, !C5 the Represntative of the district in 
which this town stands, and several other Gentlemen 
called upon, and invited me to partake of a dinner which 
the inhabitants were desirous of seeing me at & excepting 
it dined with them accordingly. 

Monday 18th. 

Set out by six o clock dined at a small house kept by 
one Slaughter, 22 miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tar- 
borough 14 miles further. 

This place is less than Hallifax, but more lively and 
thriving ; it is situated on Tar River which goes into Pam- 



B. Ashe, a soldier of the Revolution under General 
Greene, a member of the Continental Congress in 1787, a repre 
sentative in the Federal Congress from 1790 to 1793, and after 
wards elected governor of the State. He died before entering 
upon the duties of the office. 



20 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Kco Sound and is crossed at the Town by means of a 
bridge a great height from the water, and not withstand 
ing the freshes rise sometimes nearly to the arch. Corn, 
Porke, and some Tar are the exports from it. We were 
reed, at this place by as good a salute as could be given 
by one piece of artillery. 

Tuesday, 19th. 

At 6 o clock I left Tarborough accompanied by some of 
the most respectable people of the place for a few miles 
dined at a trifling place called Greenville 25 miles distant 
lodged at one Allan s 14 miles further a very indiffer 
ent house without stabling which for the first time since 
I commenced my Journey were obliged to stand without 
a cover. 

Greenville is on Tar River and the exports the same as 
from Tarborough with a greater proportion of Tar for 
the lower down the greater number of Tar makers are 
there This article is contrary to all ideas one would en 
tertain on the usbject, rolled as Tobacco by an axis which 
goes through both heads one horse draws two barrels 
in this manner. 

Wednesday, 20th. 

Left Allan s before breakfast, & under a misapprehen 
sion went to a Col. Allen s, supposing it to be public 
house; where we were very kindly & well entertained 
without knowing it was at his expense, until it was too 
late to rectify the mistake. After breakfasting and feed 
ing our horses here, we proceeded on & crossing the Riv 
er Nuse 11 miles further, arrived in Newbern to dinner. 

At this ferry which is 10 miles from Newbern, we were 
met by & small party of Horse ; the district Judge (Mr. 
Sitgreave) 106 and many of the principal Inhabitants of 

06John Sitgreave was a resident of Newbern. and had been an 
officer in the war for Independence. He was a member of the Con 
tinental Congress in 1784, of his State Legislature in 1787, and 
was made United States District Judge. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 21 

Newbern, who conducted us into town to exceeding good 
lodgings It ought to have been mentioned that another 
small party of horse under one Simpson met us at Green 
ville, and in spite of every endeavor which could comport 
with decent civility, to excuse myself from it, they would 
attend me to Newbern. Col Allen did the same. 

This town is situated at the confluence of the Rivers 
Nuse & Trent, and though low is pleasant. Vessels draw 
ing more than 9 feet water cannot get up loaded. It 
stands on a good deal of ground but the buildings are 
sparce and altogether of Wood some of which are large 
& look well The number of Souls are about 2000. Its 
exports consist of Corn, Tobacco, Pork. but principally 
of Naval Stores & lumber. 

Thursday, 21st. 

Dined with the Citizens at a public dinner given br 
them ; and went to a dancing assembly in the evening 
both of which was at what they call the Pallace formerly 
the Government House & a good brick building but now 
hastening to Ruins. 107 The Company at both was numer- 
ouse at the latter there were abt. 70 ladies. 

This town by Water is about 70 miles from the Sea 
but in a direct line to the entrance to the River not over 
35 and to the nearest Seaboard not more than 20, or 25, 

!07This building was erected for Governor Tryon in 1769; and 
fcis demand upon the Assembly for twenty-five thousand dollars 
for the purpose of building a palace "suitable for the residence 
of the royal governor," was one of the causes of strong popular 
indignation against the governor. His wife and sister, both beau 
tiful and accomplished women, used every blandishment to induce 
compliance on the part of representatives of the people. Mrs. 
Tryon gave them princely dinners and balls. Human nature then, 
as now, was weak, and Tryon not only secured the first appro 
priation of $25,000, but a further sum of $50,000. 

A drawing of the building, with a full account of it, *may be 
found in Lossing s Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, II. 364, 
second edition. 



22 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Upon the River Nuse, & 80 miles above Newbern, the 
Convention of the State that adopted the federal Consti 
tution made choice of a spot, or rather district within 
which to fix their Seat of Government ; but it being lower 
than the back Members (of the Assembly) who hitherto 
have been most numerous inclined to have it they have 
found means to obstruct the measure but since the Ces 
sion of their Western territory it is supposed that the 
matter will be revived to good effect. 

Friday, 22d. 

Under an Escort of horse, and many of the principal 
Gentlemen of Newbern I recommenced my journey dined 
at a place called Trenton which is the head of the boat 
navigation of the River Trent, wch. is crossed at this 
place on a bridge and lodged at one Shrine s 10 m. far 
ther both indifferent Houses. Sat. 23. Breakfasted at 
one Everett s 12 m bated at a Mr. Foy s 12 m. farther 
& lodged at one Sage s 20 m. beyd it all indifferent 
houses. 

Sunday, 24th. 

Breakfasted at indifferent House about 13 miles from 
Sage s and three miles further met a party of Light 
Horse from Wilmington; and after these a Commee. & 
other Gentlemen of the Town ; who came out to escort me 
in to it and at which I arrived under a federal salute at 
very good lodgings prepared f 01 me, about two o clock at 
these I dined with the Commee. whose company I asked. 

The whole Road from Newbern to Wilmington (except 
in a few places of small extent) passes through the most 
barren country I ever beheld ; especially in the parts near 
est the latter ; which is no other than a bed of white sand. 
In places however, before we came to these, if the ideas 
of poverty could be separated from the Sand, the appear 
ances of it are agreeable, resembling a lawn well covered 
with evergreens, and a good verdure below from a broom 
or course grass which having sprung since the burning 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 23 

of the Woods had a neat and handsome look especially as 
there were parts entirely open and others with ponds of 
water, which contributed not a little to the beauty of the 
scene. 

Wilmington is situated on the Cape Fear River, about 
30 miles by water from its mouth, but much less by land 
It has some good houses pretty compactly built The 
whole undr. a hill ; which is formed entirely of sand. The 
number of Souls in it amount by the enumeration to about 
1,000, but it is agreed on all hands that the Census in this 
State has been very inaccurately & Shamefully taken by 
the Marshall s deputies ; who, instead of going to Peoples 
houses, & there on the spot, ascertaining the Nos. ; have 
advertised a meeting of them at certain places, by which 
means those who did not attend (and it seems many pur 
posely avoided doing it, some from an apprehension of 
its being introductory of a tax, & others from religious 
scruples) have gone with their families, unnumbered In 
other instances, it is said these deputies have taken their 
information from the Captains of Militia Companies; not 
only as to the men on their Muster Rolls, but of the Souls, 
in their respective families ; which at best, must in a va- 
riety of cases, be mere conjecture whilst all those who are 
not on their lists Widows and their families &c. pass 
unnoticed. 

Wilmington, unfortunately for it, has a Mud bank, 
miles below, over which not more than 10 feet water can 
be brought at common tides, yet it is said vessels of 250 
Tons have come up. The qty. of Shipping, which load 
here annually, amounts to about 1200 Tons. The exports 
consist chiefly of Naval Stores and lumber. Some Tobac 
co, Corn, Rice, & flax seed with Porke. It is at the head 
of the tide navigation, but inland navigation may be ex 
tended 115 miles farther to and above Fayetteville which 
is from Wilmington 90 miles by land, & 115 by water a 
above. Fayetteville is a thriving place containing near 

Souls 6000 Hhds. of Tobacco, & 3000 Hhds. of 

Flax Seed have been reed, at it in the course of the year. 



24 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Monday, 25th. 

Dined with the Citizens of the place at a public dinner 
given by them Went to a Ball in the evening at which 
there were 62 ladies illuminations, Bonfires, &c. 

Tuesday, 26th. Apr. 

Having sent my carriage across the day before, I left 
Wilmington about 6 o clock, accompanied by most of the 
Gentlemen of the Town, and breakfasting at Mr. Ben. 
Smith s lodged at one Russ 25 miles from Wilmington. 
An indifferent House 

Wednesday April 27th, 1791 

Breakfasted at Willm Cause s a little out of the direct 
Road 14 miles crossed the boundary line between No & 
South Carolina abt. half after 12 o clock which is 10 miles 
from Cause s dined at a private house (one Cochran s) 
about 2 miles farther and lodged at Mr. Vareen s 14 
miles more and 2 miles short of the long bay. To this 
house we were directed as a Tavern, but the proprietor 
of it either did not keep one, or would not acknowledge 
it we therefore were entertained (& very kindly) with 
out being able to make compensation. 

Thursday, 28th. 

Mr. Vareen piloted us across the Swash (which at high 
water is impassible, & at times, by the shifting of the 
Sands is dangerous) on the long Beach of the Ocean ; and 
it being at a proper time of the tide we passed along it 
with ease and celerity to the place of quitting it, which 
is estimated 16 miles, five miles farther we got dinner 
& fed our horses at a Mr. Pauley s a private house, no 
public one being on the Road; and being met on the 
Road, & kindly invited by a Doctor Flagg to his house, 
we lodged there; it being about 10 miles from Pauley a 
ft 33 from Vareen s. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 25 

Friday, 29th. 

We left Doctr Flagg s about 6 o clock, and arrived at 
Captn Wm. Alstons on the Waggamau to Breakfast. 

Captn Alston is a Gentleman of large fortune and es 
teemed one of the neatest Rice planters in the State of 
So Carolina and a proprietor of the most valuable ground 
for the culture of this article. His house which is large 
new, and elegantly furnished stands on a sand hill, high 
for the Country, with his Rice fields below ; the contrast 
of which, with the lands back of it, and the Sand & piney 
barrens through which we had passed is scarcely to be 
conceived. 

At Captn. Alston s we were met by General Moultree, 
Colo Washington* & Mr. Rutledge (son of the present 
Chief Justice of So Carolina) who had come out that far 
to escort me to town. We dined and lodged at this 
Gentlemen s and Boats being provided we the next 
morning. 

Saturday, 30th. 

Crossed the Waggamau to Georgetown by descending 
the River three miles at this place we were reed, under 
a Salute of Cannon, & by a Company of Infantry hand 
somely uniformed. I dined with the Citizens in public; 
and in the afternoon, was introduced to upwards of 50 
ladies who had assembled (at a Tea party) on the occa 
sion. 

fWaccamaw 

*Colonel William Washington, the eminent calvary officer in the 
southern campaign. He had invited the President several 
months before he commenced his journey, to accept the hospitali 
ties of his house in Charleston. "I cannot," replied the President, 
"without involving myself in inconsistency; as I have determined 
to pursue the same plan in my Southern as I did in my Eastern 
Tisit, which was not to incommode any private family by taking 
up my quarters with them during my journey. It leaves nve un 
encumbered by engagements, and by a uniform adherence to it, 
I shall avoid giving umbrage to any, by declining- all such invi 
tations." 



26 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

George Town seems to be in the shade of Charleston 
It suffered during the War by the British, having had 
many of its Houses burnt. It is situated on a pininsula 
betwn. the River Waccamaw & Sampton Creek about 
15 miles from the Sea a bar is to be .passed, over which 
not more than 12 feet of water can be brot. except at 
Snring tides ; which (tho the Inhabitants are willing to 
entertain different ideas,) must ever be a considerable 
let to its importance; especially if the cut between the 
Santee & Cooper Rivers, should ever be accomplished. 

The inhabitants of this place (either unwilling or un 
able) could give no account of the number of Souls in it, 
but I should not compute them at more than 5 or 600. 
Its chief export, Rice. 

Sunday, May 1st. 

Left Georgetown about 6 o clock and crossing the San- 
tee Creek at the Town, and the Santee River 12 miles 
from it, at Lynch s Island, we breakfasted and dined at 
Mrs. Horry s about 15 miles from Georgetown & lodged 
at the plantation of Mr. Manigold* about 19 miles farther. 

Monday, 2d. 

Breakfasted at the Country seat of Govr. Pinckneyf 
about 18 miles from our lodging place, & then came to 
the ferry at Haddrel s point, 6 miles further, where I was 

*Manigualt. It is related of one of this family, (who were de 
scendants of French Protestant Refugees who settled in South 
Carolina), that while the seige of Charleston by the British in 
1780, was progressing, a lighted bomb fell near him within the 
breastworks. He caught it up instantly, and throwing it into a 
wet ditch outside, exclaimed, "What for you smoke your pipe 
here?" 

fCharles Pinckney, orae of the delegates in the convention that 
framed the Federal Constitution, He was governor of his State 
at three different periods; a Senator of the United States, and 
minister to Spain. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 27 

met by the Recorder of the City, Genl Pinckney & Ed 
ward Rutledge, Esq. in a 12 oared barge rowed by 12 
American Captains of Ships, most elegantly dressed. 
There were a great many other Boats with Gentlemen 
and ladies in them; and two Boats with Music; all of 
whom attended me across, and on the passage were met 
by a number of others. As we approached the town a 
salute with artillery commenced, and at the Wharf I was 
met by the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Intendt. of 
the City ; the two Senators of the State, Wardens of the 
City Cincinnati, &c. &c. and conducted to the Exchange 
where they passed by in procession from thence I was 
conducted in like manner to my lodgings after which I 
dined at the Governors (in what he called a private way) 
with 15 or 18 Gentlemen. 

It may as well in this as in any other place, be observ 
ed, that the Country from Wilmington through which 
the Road passes, is, except in very small spots, much the 
same us what has alredy been described ; that is to say, 
sand & pine barrens with very few inhabitants we 
were indeed informed that at some distance from the 
Road on both sides the land was of a better quality, & 
thicker settled, but this could only be on the Rivers & 
larger waters for a perfect sameness seems to run 
through all the rest of the Country on these especially 
the swamps and low lands on the Rivers, the Soil is very 
rich; and productive when reclaimed; but to do this is 
both laborious and expensive. The Rice planters have 
two modes of watering their fields the first by the tide 
the other by resurvoirs drawn from the adjacent lands. 
The former is best because most certain. A crop with 
out either is precarious, because a drought may not only 
injure, but destroy it. Two and an half and 3 barrels 
to the Acre is esteemed a good Crop and 8 or 10 Barrels, 
for each grown hand is very profitable; but some have 
12 & 14, whilst 5 or 6 is reckoned the average produc 
tion of a hand a barrel contains about 600 weight and 
the present price is about 10|6 & 11| Sterg. pr. 100. 



28 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

The lodgings provided for me in this place were very 
good, being the furnished house of a Gentleman at pres 
ent in the Country ; but occupied by a person placed there 
on purpose to accommodate me, & who was paid in the 
same manner as any other letter of lodgings would have 
been paid. 

Tuesday, 3rd. 

Breakfasted with Mrs. Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief 
Justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined 
with the Citizens at a public dinr. given by them at the 
Exchange. 

Was visited about 2 o clock by a great number of the 
most respectable ladies of Charleston the first honor 
of the kind I had ever experienced and it was as flattering 
as it was singular. 

Wednesday, 4th. 

Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati, and in the 
evening went to a very elegant dancing Assembly at the 
Exchange At which were 256 elegantly dressed & hand 
some ladies. 

In the forenoon, (indeed before breakfast today) I 
visited and examined the lines of attack & defence of the 
City and was satisfied that the defence was noble & hon 
orable altho the measure was undertaken upon wrong 
principles and impolitic.* 

Thursday, 5th. 

Visited the works of Fort Johnson James Island, and 
Fort Moultree on Sullivans Island; both of which are 
in Ruins, and scarcely a trace of the latter left the 
former quite fallen in. 

Dined with a very large company at the Governor s & 
in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at 

*These lines were upon Charleston Neck, extending from the 
Ashley to the Cooper river, at the junction of which the 
city stands. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 2* 

wch. there were at least 400 ladies in the number & ap 
pearance of wch. exceeded any thing of the kind I had 
ever seen. 

Friday, 6th. 

Viewed the town on horseback by riding through most 
of the principal Streets. 

Dined at Majr. Butler s and went to a Ball in the even 
ing at the Governors where there was a select Company 
of ladies. 

Saturday, 7th. 

Before break (fast) I visited the Orphan House at 
which there were one hundred & seven boys & girls This 
appears to be a charitable institution and under good 
management I also viewed the City from balcony of 

Church from whence the whole is seen in 

in one view and to advantage, the Gardens & green trees 
which are interspersed adding much to the beauty of the 
prospect. 

Charleston stands on a Pininsula between the Ashley 
& Cooper Rivers and contains about 1600 dwelling houses 
and nearly 16,000 Souls of which about 8000 are white 
It lies low with unpaved streets (except footways) of 
sand. There are a number of very good houses of Brick 
& wood but most of the latter The Inhabitants are 
wealthy, Gay & hospitable; appear happy and satis 
fied with the Genl. Government. A cut is much talked 
of between the Ashley & Santee Rivers but it would seem 
I think, as if the accomplishment of the measure was not 
very near It would be a great thing for Charleston if 
it could be effected. The principal exports from this 
place is Rice, Indigo, and Tobacco ; of the last from 5 to 
8000 Hhds. have been exported, and of the first from 80 
to 120,000 Barrels. 

Sunday, 8th. 
Went to Crowded Churches in the morning & afternoon. 

to in the morning & in the 

afternoon. Dined with General Moultree. 



30 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Monday, 9th. 

At six o clock I recommenced my journey for Savan 
na; attended by the Corps of the Cincinnati and most of 
the principal Gentlemen of the City as far as the bridge 
over Ashley River, where we breakfasted, and proceed 
ed to Colo W. Washington s at Sandy-hill with a select 
party of particular friends distant from Charleston 28 
miles. 

Tuesday, 10th. 

Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this 
place (except General Moultree & Majr. Butler the last 
of whom intended to accompany me to Savanna, and the 
other to Purisburgh.* at which I was met by Boats,) 
& breakfasting at Judge Bee s 12 mlies from Sandy Hill, 

lodged at Mr. Obrian Smith s 18 or 20 further on. 



Wednesday, llth. 

After an early breakfast at Mr. Smith s we road 20 
miles to a place called Pokitellieo where a dinner was 
provided by the Parishioners of Prince William for my 
reception, anid an address from them was presented 
and answered. After dinner we proceeded 16 miles far 
ther to Judge Hayward s where we lodged, &, as also at 
Mr. Smith s were kindly and hospitably entertained. 
My going to Colo Washington s is to be ascribed to mo 
tives of friendship & relationship; but to Mr. Smith s & 
Judge Haywards to those of necessity; their being no 
public houses on the Road and my distance to get to these 
private ones increased at least 10 or 12 miles between 
Charleston and Savanna. 

*Purysburg, on the Savannah River, named in honor of John 
Pury, founder of a Swiss settlement in South Carolina. It was 
Lincoln s headquarters for a while early in 1779. 

fPocotaligo, on the Gombahee River, Beaufort District, South 
Carolina. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 31 

Thursday, 12th. 

By five o clock we set out from Judge Hayward s, and 
road to Purisburgh 22 miles to Breakfast. 

At that place I was met by Messrs. Jones, Colo Haber- 
gham, Mr. Jno. Houston, Genl. Mc.Intosh and Mr. Clay,* 
A Comee. from the City of Savanna to conduct me 
thither. Boats also were ordered there by them for my 
accommodation ; among which a handsome 8 oared barge 
rowed by 8 American Capt.ns. attended. In my way 
down the River I called upon Mrs. Green the Widow of 
the deceased Genl. Green, (at a place called Mulberry 
Grove) & asked her how she did ? At this place (2 miles 
from Purisburgh) my horses and Carriages were landed, 
and had 12 miles farther by land to Savana. The wind 
& tide being both agst. us, it was 6 o clock before we 
reached the City where we were received under every 
demonstration that could be given of joy & respect. 
We were Seven hours making the passage which is often 
performed in 4, tho* the computed distance is 25 miles 
Dlumns. at night. 

I was conducted by the Mayor and Warden to very good 
lodging which had been provided for the occasion, and 
partook of a public dinner given by the Citizens at the 

*Noble Wimberly Jones, Joseph Habesham, John Houston, 
Lachlin Mclntosh, and Joseph Clay, all eminent patriots during 
the Revolution. 

oThe State of Georgia gave General Nathaniel Greene quite a/ 
large tract of land in testimony of appreciation for his services 
in the Southern campaigns of the Revolution. He went to Georgia 
in 1785, to look after his estate; white walking one day, in June, 
1786, without an umbrella, he was "sun struck," and died on the 
19th of that month, at the age of forty-six years. His widow 
occupied the property until her death. There, under the roof of 
that hospitable lady, in 1792 or 93, Eli Whitney, the inventor of 
the cotton-gin, planned and constructed his first machine; and 
at that home, in 1807, the daughter of General Greene, received 
the brass cannon, captured at Eutaw Springs, which Congress 
Toted to her gallant father. 



32 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Coffee Room. At Purisburgh I parted with Genl. Moul- 
tree. 

Friday, 13th. 

Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati at a public 
dinner given at the same place and in the evening went 
to a dancing Assembly at which there was about 100 well 
dressed & handsome ladies. 

Saturday, 14th. 

A little after 6 o clock, in Company with Genl. Mcln- 
tosh, Genl. Wayne, the Mayor and many others (principal 
Gentlemen of the City,) I visited the City, and the at 
tack & defence of it in the year 1779, under the combined 
forces of France and the United States, commanded by 
the Count de Estang & Genl. Lincoln.* To form an 
opinion of the attack at this distance of time, and the 
change which has taken place in the appearance of the 
ground by the cutting away of the woods, &c. is hardly 
to be done with justice to the subject; especially as there 
is remaining scarcely any of the defences. 

Dined today with a number of the Citizens (not less 
than 200) in an elegant Bower erected for the occasion 
on the Bank of the River below the Town. In the even 
ing there was a tolerable good display of fireworks. 

Sunday, 15th. 

After morning Service, and receiving a number of 
visits from the most respectable ladies of the place (as 
was the case yesterday) I set out for Augusta, Escorted 
beyd. the limits of the City by most of the Gentlemen in 
it, and dining at Mulberry Grove the Seat of Mrs. Green, 
lodged at one Spencers-distant 15 miles. 

Savanna stands upon what may be called high ground 
for this Country It is extremely Sandy wch. makes the 

*Traces of these lines, of defence are still visible in the rear of 
the town. For an account of their appearance as late as 1848, 
see Lossing s "Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution," ii., 531, 
second edition. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 33 

walking very disagreeable; & the houses uncomfortable 
in warm & windy weather, as they are filled with dust 
whenever these happen. The town on 3 sides is sur 
rounded with cultivated Rice fields which have a rich and 
luxuriant appearance. On the 4th or backside it is a 
fine sand. The harbour is said to be very good, & often 
filled with square rigged vessels, but there is a bar below 
over which not more than 12 water can be brot. except 
at sprg. tides. The tide does not flow above 12 or 14 
miles above the City though the River is swelled by it 
more than double that distance. Rice & Tobacco (the 
last of wch. is greatly increasing) are the principal Ex 
ports Lumber & Indigo are also Exported, but the latter 
is on the decline, and it is supposed by Hemp & Cotton. 
Ship timber, viz: live Oak & Cedar, is (and may be more 
so) valuable in the exptn. 

Monday, 16th. 

Breakfasted at Russells 15 miles from Spencer s 
dined at Garnets 19 further & lodged at Pierces 8 miles 
more, in all 42 miles today. 

Tuesday, 17th. 

Breakfasted at Spinner s 17 miles dined at Lamberts 
13 and lodged at Waynesborough (wch. was coming 6 
miles out of our way) 14, in all 43 miles Waynesborough 
is a small place, but the Seat of the Court of Burkes 
County 6 or 8 dwelling houses is all it contains ; an at 
tempt is making (without much apparent effect) to es 
tablish an Academy at it as is the case also in all the coun 
ties. 

Wednesday, 18th. 

Breakfasted at Fulcher s 15 miles from Waynesbo 
rough; and within 14 miles of Augusta met the Govor. 
(Telfair), Judge Walton,* the Attorney Genl. & most 

*George Walton, one of the signers of the Declartion of Inde 
pendence. . A fine monument stands in Augusta, erected to the 
memory of Walton and his Georgia colleagues who signed that 
instrument. 



34 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

of the principal Gentlemen of the place ; by whom I was 
escorted into the Town, & reed, under a discharge of 
Artillery, the distance I came today was about 32 miles 
Dined with a large Company at the Governors, & drank 
Tea there with many well dressed Ladies. 

The road from Savanna to Augusta is, for the most 
part through Pine barrens; but more uneven than I had 
been accustomed to since leavg. Petersburgh in Virginia, 
especially after riding about 30 miles from the City of 
that name; here & there indeed, a piece of Oak land is 
passed on this Road, but of small extent & by no means 
of the first quality. 

Thursday, 19th. 

Received & answered an Address from the Citizens of 
Augusta ; dined with a large Company of them at their 
Court Ho. and went to an Assembly in the evening at 
the Academy ; at which there were between 60 & 70 well 
dressed ladies. 

Friday, 20th. 

Viewed the Ruins, or rather small Remns. of the Works 
which had been erected by the British during the War 
and taken by the Americans. Also the falls, which are 
about 2 miles above the Town ; and the Town itself. 

These falls (as they are called) are nothing more than 
rapids. They are passable in their present state by 
boats with skillful hands, but may at a very small ex- 
pence be improved, by removing a few rocks only, to 
streighten the passage. Above them there is a good 
boat navigation for many miles ; by which the produce 
may be, & in some measure is, transported. At this 
place, i.e. the falls, the good lands begin; & encrease in 
quality to the westward & No ward All below them, ex 
cept the interval lands on the Rivers and Rice Swamps 
which extend from them, the whole Country is a Pine bar- 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 35 

ren. The town of Augusta is well laid out with wide & 
spacious Streets. It stands on a large area of a perfect 
plain but is not yet thickJy built tho surprisingly so for 
the time; for in 1783 there were not more than half a 

dozen dwelling houses ; now there are not less than 

containing about Souls of which about 

are blacks. It bids fair to be a large Town being at the 
head of the present navigation, & a fine Country back 
of it for support, which is settling very fast by Tobacco 
planters. The culture of which article in encreaseing 
very fast, and bids fair to be the principal export from 
the State ; from this part of it, it certainly will be so. 

Augusta, though it covers more ground than Savanna, 
does not contain as many Inhabitants the latter having 
by the late census between 14 & 1500 hundred whites and 
about 800 black. 

Dined at a private dinner with Govr. Telfair to day; 
and gave him dispatches for the Spanish Govr. of East 
Florida, respecting the Countenance given by that 
Governt. to the fugitive Slaves of the Union wch. dis 
patches were to be forwarded to Mr. Seagrove, Collector 
of St. Mary s, who was requested to be the bearer of 
them, and instructed to make arrangements for the pre 
vention of these evils and, if possible, for the restoration 
of the property especially those slaves wch. had gone 
off since the orders of the Spanish Court, to discounte 
nance this practice of recg. them. 

Saturday, 21st. 

Left Augusta about 6 o clock, and takg, leave of the 
Governor & principal Gentlemen of the place at the bridge 
over Savanna River, where they had assembled for the 
purpose, I proceeded in Company with Colos. Hampton* 
& Taylor, & Mr. Lithgow a committee from Columbia 

*Colonel Wade Hampton, a meritorious officer in the Southern 
Army of the Revolution, and a commancher on the northern fron 
tier of New York in the War of 1812. 



36 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

(who had come on to meet & conduct me to that place) 
& a Mr. Jameson from the Village of Granby on my Rout. 
Dined at a house about 20 miles from Augusta and 
lodged at one Odem about 20 miles farther. 

Sunday, 22nd. 

Rode about 21 miles to breakfast, and passing through 
the village of Granby just below the first falls in the 
Congaree (which was passed in a flat bottomed boat at 
a Rope ferry,) I lodged at Columbia, the newly adopted 
Seat of the Government of South Carolina about 3 miles 
from it, on the No. side of the River, and 27 from my 
breakfasting stage. 

The whole Road from Augusta to Columbia is a pine 
barren of the worst sort, being hilly as well as poor. 
This circumstance, added to the distance, length of the 
stages, want of water and heat of the day, foundered one 
of my horses very badly. 

Beyond Granby 4 miles I was met by sevl. Gentlemen 
of that place & Wynnsborough ; and on the banks of the 
River on the No. side by a number of others, who es 
corted me to Columbia. 

Monday, 23d. 

Dined at a public dinner in the State house with a num 
ber of Gentlemen & Ladies of the Town of Columbia, & 
Country round about to the amt. of more than 150, of 
which 50 or 60 were of the latter. 

Tuesday, 24th. May 1791 

The condition of my foundered horse obliged me to 
remain at this place, contrary to my intention, this day 
also. 

j-The site of Fort Granby, a dwelling fortified by the British as 
a link in a chain of military posts from Camden to Charleston. 
It was captured by Colonel Lee, of ttoe famous partisan "Legion," 
in May, 1781. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 37 

Columbia is laid out upon a large scale; but, in my 
opinion had better been placed on the River below the 
falls. It is now an uncleared wood, with very few houses 
in it, and those all wooden ones The State House (which 
is also of wood) is a large and commodious building, but 
unfinished The Town is on dry, but cannot be called 
high ground, and though surrounded by Piney & Sandy 
land is, itself good The State house is near two miles 
from the River, at the confluence of the Broad River & 
Saluda. From Granby the River is navigable for Craft 
which will, when the River is a little swelled, carry 
3000 bushels of Grain when at its usual height less, 
and always some. The River from hence to the Wateree 
below which it takes the name of the Santee is very crook 
ed;* it being according to the computed distance near 
400 miles. Columbia from Charleston is 130 miles dis 
tance. 

Wednesday, May 25, 1791. 

Set out at 4 o clock for Camden (the foundered horse 
being led slowly on) breakfasted at an indifferent house 
22 miles from the town, (the first we came to) and 
reached Camden about two o clock, 14 miles further, 
when an address was reed. & answered. Dined (late) 
with a number of Gentlemen and Ladies at a public din 
ner. The Road from Columbia to Camden, excepting a 
mile or two at each place, goes over the most miserable 
pine barren I ever saw, being quite a white sand, & very 
hilly. On the Wateree within a mile & half of which the 
town stands the lands are very good, they Culture Corn, 
Tobacco & Indigo. Vessels carrying 50 or 60 Hhds. of 
Tobo, come up to the Ferry at this place at which there 
is a Tobacco Wharehouse. 



*At Buck s Head Neck, near Fort Mette, just above the 
junction of the Cong-aree and Watered (which form the Santee), 
the Congaree makes a sweep of eight miles and approaches itself 
to within thie distance of a quarter of a mile. 



38 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Thursday, 26th. 1791 

After viewing the british works about Camden I set 
out for Charlotte on my way two miles from Town 
I exammined the ground on wch. Genl. Green & Lord 
Rawdon had their action, 1 The ground had but just been 
taken by the former was well chosen but he not well 
established in it before he was attacked; which by ca]&gt; 
turing a Videt was, in some measure by surprise Six 
miles further on I came to the ground where Genl. Gates 
& Lord Cornwallis had their Engagement wch. terminat 
ed so unfavorable for the former. 2 As this was a night 
meeting of both Armies on their march, & altogether un 
expected each formed on the ground they met without 
any advantage in it on either side it being level & open. 
Had Genl. Gates been y 2 a mile further advanced, an im 
penetrable Swamp would have prevented the attack 
which was made on him by the British Army, and afford 
ed him time to have formed his own plans; but having 
no information of Lord Cornwallis s designs, and perhaps 
not being apprised of this advantage it was not seized 
by him. 

Camden is a small place with appearances of some new 
buildings. It was much injured by the British whilst in 
their possessions. 3 

After halting at one Sutton s 14 m. from Camden I 
todged at James Ingrams 12 miles farther. 

Friday, 27th. 
Left Ingrams about 4 o clock, and breakfasting at one 

tOn Hobkirk s Hill, April 25, 1781. 

2On the north side of Sander s Creek, August 16, 1780. The 
two generals were approaching each other in the night, along a 
road filled with deep sand;; and neither of them had any knowl 
edge of the fact, until their advance guards came in contact. The 
battle occurred early in the morning. 

3Lord Rawdon, the Brittish commander there, alarmed for the 
safety of his forts in the lower country, set fire to Camden o 
the 10th of May, 1781, and retreated down the Santee. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 39 

Barr s 18 miles distant lodged at Majr. Crawford s 8 miles 
farther About 2 miles from this place I came to the 
Corner where the No. Carolina line comes to the Rd. from 
whence the Road is the boundary for 12 miles more. At 
Majr. Crawfords I was met by some of the chiefs of the 
Catawba nation who seemed to be under apprehension 
that some attempts were making, or would be made to 
deprive them of the 40,000 Acres wch. was secured to 
them by Treaty and wch. is bounded by this Road. 

Saturday, 28th. 

Set off from Crawfords by 4 o clock and breakfasting 
at one Harrison s 18 miles from it got into Charlotte 13 
miles further, before 3 o clock, dined with Gen. Polk 2 

This is yet a reservation for the Catawba Indians, near the 
southeast corner of Yorkville district in South Carolina. It was 
originally larger than now. They were once a powerful tribe, but 
are dwindled to the most insignificant remnant. Their chief vil 
lage was on the Catawba River, about twenty-five miles from 
Yorkville. The following eloquent petition of Peter Harris, a 
Catawba warrior during the Revolution, is preserved among the 
Colonial records at Columbia, South Carolina. It is dated 1822: 

"I am one of tine lingering survivors of an almost extinguished 
race. Oour graves will soon bfe our only habitations. I am 
one of the few stalks that still remain in the field where the 
tempest of thie Revolution has passed. I fought against the Brit 
ish for your sake. The British have disappeared, and you are 
free, yet from me have the British took nothing; nor have I gain 
ed anything by their defeat. I pursued the deer for subsistence; 
the deer are disappearing, and I must starve. God ordained me 
for the forest, and my ambition is the shade. But the strength 
of my arm decays, and my feet fail me in the chase. The hand 
which fought for your liberties is now open for your relief. In 
my youth I bled in battle, that you might be independent! let not 
my heart in my old age bleted for the want of your commisera 
tion." 

zGeneral Thomas Polk, who was Colonel of the militia of Meck 
lenburg County, North Carolina, at the opening of the war of 
Independence. It was in Charlotte, and partially under the in 
fluence and through the exertions of General Polk, that a conven- 



40 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

and a small party invited by him, at a Table prepared for 
the purpose. 

It was not, until I had got near Barr s that I had quit 
the Piney and Sandy lands nor until I had got to Craw- 
fords before the lands took quite a different complexion 
here they began to assume a very rich look. 

Charlotte is a trifling place, though the Court of Meck 
lenburg is held in it There is a School (called a College) 
in it at which, at times there has been 50 or 60 boys. 

Sunday, 29th. 

Left Charlotte about 7 o clock, dined at Colo. Smiths 
15 miles off, and lodged at Majr. Fifers 7 miles farther. 

Monday, 30th. 

At four o clock I was out from Majr. Fifers 1 ; and in 
about 10 miles at the line which divides Mecklenburgh 
from Rowan Counties; I met a party of horse belonging 
to the latter, who came from Salisbury to escort me on 
(It ought to have been mentioned also that upon my en 
tering the State of No. Carolina I was met by a Party of 
the Mecklenburgh horse but these being near their 

tion of delegates, selected by the people of Mecklenburg County, 
passed resolutions at the close of May, 1775, which virtually de 
clared the people represented free and independent of the British 
crown. 

sThis was called, previous to the Revolution, Queen s Museum 
or College. There the republicans of that section of North Caro 
lina met to discuss the exciting questions of the day. It was the 
Faneuil Hall of Western Carolina. 

Son of John Phifer, one of the leading patriots of Mecklen 
burg County, who died early in the Revolution. His remains were 
buried at the Red Hills, three miles west of Concord, in Cabarrus 
County, North Carolina. He was one of the signers of the 
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 41 

homes I dismissed them) I was also met 5 miles from 
Salisbury by the Mayor of the Corporation, Judge McKoy, 
& many others; Mr. Stule. Representative for the dis 
trict, 2 was so polite as to come all the way to Charlotte 
to meet me. We arrived at Salisbury about 8 o clock, to 
breakfast, 20 miles from Captn. Fifers. The lands be 
tween Charlotte & Salisbury are very fine, of a reddish 
cast and well timbered, with but very little underwood, 
between these two places are the first meadows I have 
seen on the Road since I left Virga. & here also we appear 
to be getting into a Wheat Country. 

This day I foundered another of my horses. 

Dined at public dinner given by the Citizens of Salis 
bury; & in the afternoon drank Tea at the same place 
with about 20 ladies who had assembled for the occasion. 

Salisbury is but a small place altho it is the County 
town, and the district Court is held in it; nor does it 
appear to be much on the increase, there is about three 
hundred souls in it and tradesmen of different kinds. 

Tuesday, May 31st. 

Left Salisbury about 4 o clock; at 5 miles crossed the 
Yadkin, 1 the principal stream of the Pedee, and breakfast 
ed on the No. Bank (while my Carriages & Horses were 
crossing) at a Mr. Youngs, fed my horses 10 miles far 
ther, at one Reeds, and about 3 o clock (after another 
halt) arrived at Salem, one of the Moravian towns 20 
miles farther In all 35 miles from Salisbury. 

2 General John Steele, who was a representative in Congress 
four years. He was a native of Salisbury, and first appeared in 
public life as a member of the North Calolina House of Commons, 
in 1787. He was appointed by President Washington controller 
of the United States Treasury, and was continued in office by 
President Adams. He died in 1815. 

*At the Trading Ford, probably, where Greene with Morgan 
and his light troops crossed, with Cornwallis in pursuit. There 
is now a great bridge over the Yadkin, on the Salibury road, about 
a mile and a half above the Trading Ford. 



42 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

The road between Salisbury and Salem passes over very 
little good land, and much that is different ; being a good 
deal mixed with Pine, but not sand. 

Salem is a small but neat village ; & like all the rest of 
the Moravian settlements, is governed by an excellent 
police having within itself all kinds of artis-ans. The 
number of Souls does not exceed 200. 2 

Wednesday, June 1st. 1791. 

Having received information that Governor Martin was 
on his way to meet me ; and would be at Salem this even 
ing, I resolved to await his arrival at this place instead 
of halting a day at Guilf ord as I had intended ; 

Spent the forenoon in visit irg the Shops of the differ 
ent Tradesmen The houses of accommodation for the 
single men & Sisters of the Fraternity & their place of 
worship. Invited six of their principal people to dine 
with me and in the evening went to hear them sing. 
perform on a variety of instruments Church music. 

In the Afternoon Governor Martin as was expected 
(with his Secretary) arrived. 

2There is still a very flourishing settlement of Moravians, or 
United Brethren, at Salem, where the church was first planted in 
1766. The log-house in which the first Moravian settlers were at 
first lodged, was yet standing 1 in 1857. 

Washington s first visit as recorded in his Diary, is duly noted 
in the records of the Moravian Society at Salem, and copies of 
the addresses delivered on that occasion are preserved. 

The following is the address of the Moravians to the Presi 
dent: 

To the President of the United States. 

THE HUMBLE ADDRESS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN 

WACHOVIA. 

Happy in sharing the Honour of a Visit from the Illustrious 
President of the Union to the Southern States, the United Breth 
ren in Waco via humbly beg leave, upon this joyful Occasion to ex 
press their highest Esteem Duty and Affection for the great Pa 
triot of this Country. 

Deeply impressed as we are with Gratitude to the great Author 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 43 

Thursday, June 2nd. 1791 

In company with the Governor I set out by four o clock 
for Guilford, breakfasted at one Dobson s at the distance 
of eleven miles from Salem and dined at Guilford, sixteen 
miles farther, where there was a considerable gathering 

of our Being for his unbounded Mercies, we cannot but partic 
ularly acknowledge his gracious Providence over the temporal and 
political Prosperity of the Country, in the Peace whereof we do 
find Peace, and wherein none can take a warmer Interest than 
ourselves, in particular when we consider that the same Lord who 
preserved Your precious Person in so many iminent Dangers, has 
made you in a conspicuous Manner an instrument in His Hands to&gt; 
forward that happy Constitution, together with those improve 
ments, whereby our United States begin to flourish, over which 
You preside with the Applause of a thankful Nation. 

Whenever therefore we solicit the Protection of the Father of 
all Mercies over this favored Country, we can not but fervently 
implore His Kindness for Yuor Preservation which is so intimate 
ly connected therewith. 

May this gracious Lord vouchsafe to prolong Your valuable Life 
as a further Blessing and an Ornament of the Constitution, that 
by Your worthy Example the Regard for Religion be encreased, 
and the Improvements of Civil Society encouraged. 

The Settlements of the United Brethren though small, will al 
ways make it their Study to contribute as much as in them layeth, 
to the Peace and Improvement of the United States and all the 
particular Parts they live in, joining their ardent prayers to the 
best wishes of this whole Continent, that Your Personal as well 
as Domestic Happiness may abound, and a Series of Success may 
crown Your Labors, for the Prosperity of our Times, and an 
Example to future Ages, untill the glorious Reward of a faithful 
Servant shall be your Portion. 

Signed in Behalf of the United Brethren in Wachovia by 
Frederick William Marshall, 
John Daniel Koehler, 
Christian Lewis Benzien. 
Salem the first of June, 1791 

To the United Brethren of Wachovia, 

GENTLEMEN, 
I am greatly indebted to your respectful and affectionate ex- 



44 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

of people who had received notice of my intention to be 
there to-day, and came to satisfy their curiosity. On my 
way I examined the ground on which the action between 
General Greene and Lord Cornwallis commenced, and af 
ter dinner rode over that where their lines were formed 
and the score closed in the retreat of the American forces. 
The first line of which was advantageously drawn up 
and had the troops done their duty properly the British 
must have been sorely galded in ye advance, if not defeat 
ed. The lands between Salem and Guilford are in places 
very fine but upon the whole can not be called more than 
midling, some very bad. On my approach to this place 
(Guilford) I was met by a party of light horse which I 
prevailed on the Governor to dismiss and to countermand 
his orders for others to attend me through the State. 

Friday, 3. 

Took my leave of the Governor, whose intention was 
to have attended me to the line, but for my request that 
he would not and about four o clock I proceeded on my 
journey, breakfasted at Troublesome Iron Works, called 
fifteeen but at least is seventeen miles from Guilford, 
partly in the Rain and, from my information, or for want 
of it, was obliged to travel twelve miles further than I 
intended to-day, to one Gatewood s within two miles of 
Dix Ferry over the Dan, at least thirty miles from the 
Iron works. The land over which I passed this day were 

pressions of personal regard, and I am not less obliged by the 
patriotic sentiments contained in your address. 

From a Society, whose governing principles are industry and 
the love of order, much may be expected towards the improvement 
and prosperity of the country, in which their Settlements are 
formed and experience authorises the belief that much will be 
obtained. 

Thanking you with grateful sincerity for your prayers in my 
behalf, I desire to assure you of my best wishes for your social 
and individual happiness. 

GO Washington. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 45 

f 

of various qualities and as I approached the Dan, were a 
good deal covered with pine. In conversing with the Gov 
ernor, on the state of politics in North Carolina I learned 
with pleasure that opposition to the general government 
and the discontent of the people were subsiding fast and 
that he should so soon as he received the laws which he 
had written to the Secretary of State for, issue his pro 
clamation requiring all officers and members of the Gov 
ernment to take the oaths prescribed by law. He seems 
to condemn speculation in lands and the purchases from 
the State of Georgia, and thinks, as every sensible and 
disinterested man must that schemes of that, sort must 
involve the country in trouble, perhaps in blood. 

Saturday 4. 

Left Mr. Gatewood s about half after six o clock and 
between his house and the Ferry passed the line which 
divides the state of Virginia and North Carolina and din 
ing at one Wilson s, sixteen miles from the Ferry, lodged 
at Halifax old Town. 

The road from Dix Ferry to Wilson passes over very 
hilly (and for the most part) indifferent land being a 
good deal mixed with pine tho it is said here that pine when 
mixed with oak and more especially with hickory is not 
indicative of a poor soil. From Wilson s to Hallifax Old 
Town the soil is good and of a reddish cast, having this 
day passed the line of North Carolina and, of course fin 
ished my tour thro the three southermost states, a gener 
al description of them may be comprised in the following 
few words. From the Seaboard to the falls of all the 
rivers, which water the lands, except the swamp on the 
rivers -and the lesser streams which empty into them and 
the interval land higher up the rivers is with but few ex 
ceptions neither more nor less than a continued pine bar 
ren, very thinly inhabited. The part next the Seaboard 
for many miles is a dead level and badly watered. That 
above it is hilly and not much bettter than barren, if 



46 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

possible less valuable on account of its hills and be 
cause they are more inconvenient to market, supposing 
them capable as the lands below are producing beef, pork, 
tar, pitch and turpentine. The lands above the falls of 
the several rivers from information, and as far as my 
own observation has extended, is of a very superior kind, 
from their being of a greasy red with large oaks inter 
mixed with hickory, chestnut, etc, excelling in producing 
corn, tobacco, wheat, hemp and other articles in great 
abundance and are generally thickly inhabited, compara 
tively speaking with those below. 

In the lower country (near the Seaboard) in the State 
of South Carolina and Georgia, rice as far up as the 
swamps extend is almost the sole article that is raised 
for market, some of the planters of which grow much 
corn as with the sweet potatoes support their people. The 
middle country, that is between the rice land and the 
falls of the rivers, and a little above them, is cultivated 
chiefly in corn and indigo and the upper country in tobac 
co, Corn, hemp, and in some degree the smaller grains. 
It is nearly the same in North Carolina with this differe- 
ence, however, that as not much rice is planted there, es 
pecially in the northern part of the state, corn, some in 
digo, with naval stores and pork, are substituted in its 
place, but as indigo is on the decline hemp, cotton, etc., 
are grown in its place. The inland navigation of the 
rivers of these three states may be improved according 
to the ideas I have formed of the matter to a very exten 
sive degree to great and useful purposes and at a very 
moderate expense, compared with the vast utility of 
the measure inasmuch as the falls of most of them are 
trifling and their lengths are great going to the markets 
penetrating the country in all directions by their lateral 
branches and in the present state (except at the falls 
which, as has been observed before, are trifling), nav 
igable for vessels carrying several hogheads of tobacco 
or other articles in proportion. The prices at which rice 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 47 

lands in the low parts of the state are held is very great. 
those of which, if have been improved from twenty 
pounds to thirty pounds sterling and, fifty pounds has 
been given for some, and from ten pounds to fifteen 
is the price of it in its rude state. The pine barren ad 
joining these sell from $1 to $2 per acre, according to 
circumstances. 

The interval land on the rivers below the falls and above 
the rice swamps also command a good price but not equal 
to those above and the pine barrens less than those below. 
The lands of the upper country sell from four to six or 
seven dollars, according to the quality and circumstances 
thereof. In the upper parts of North Carolina wheat 
is pretty much grown and the farmers seem disposed to 
try hemp but the land carriage is a considerable draw*- 
back having between 200 and 300 miles to carry the pro 
duce either to Charlestown, Petersburg, or Wilmington, 
which are their three great marts, tho of late Fayette- 
yille receives a good deal of the bulky articles, and they 
mre water borne from thence to Wilmington, excepting 
the towns and some gentlemen s seats along the road 
from Charlestown to Savannah there is not within view 
of the whole road I traveled, from Petersburg to this 
place, a single house which has anything of an elegance 
appearance. They are altogether of wood, and chiefly 
of logs, some indeed have brick chimneys but generally 
the chimneys are of split sticks, filled with dirt between, 
them. The accommodations on the whole road, except 
in the towns and near there, as I was informed, for I had 
no opportunity of judging, lodging having been provided 
for me in them (at my own expense) were found extreme 
ly indifferent, the houses being small and badly provided 
either for man or horse tho extra exertions when it was 
known I was coming, which was generally the case, were 
made to receive me. It is not easy to say on which road, 
the one I went or the one I came, the entertainmen is most 
indifferent, but with truth it may be added, of course, that 



48 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

both are bad, and is to be accounted for from the kind of 
travelers which use them, which, with a few exceptions 
only, on the upper road, are no other than wagoners and 
families removing ,who generally take their provisions 
along with them. 

The people, however, appear to have abundant means to 
live well. The grounds where they are settled yielding 
grain in abundance and the natural herbage a multitude 
of meat with little or no labor ^to provide food for the sup 
port of their stock, especially in Georgia where it is said 
the cattle live thru the winter without any support from 
the owners of them. The manners of the people, as far 
as my observation, and means of information extended, 
were orderly and civil and they appeared to be happy, con 
tented and satisfied with the general Government, under 
which they were placed. Where the case was otherwise, 
it was not difficult to trace the cause to some demi-gogue 
or speculating character. In Georgia, the dissatisfied 
part of them, at the late treaty with the creek Indians 
were evidently land jobbers, who strangled every princi 
ple of justice to the Indians and policy to their country 
would, for their own immediate emolument strip the In 
dians of all their territory, if they could obtain the least 
countenance to the measure, but it is to be hoped the good 
sense of the state will set its face against such diabolical 
attempts and is also to be wished and by many it was 
said it might be expected that the sales by that state to 
what are called the Yazoo Companies would fall thru. The 
discontent which it was supposed the Revenue Act (com 
monly known by the Excise Law) would create subside 
as fast as the law is explained and little was said of the 
Banking act. 

Sunday, 5th. 

Left the Old Town about four o clock A. M., and break 
fasted at Pridies (after crossing Bannister River one 
and a half miles) about eleven miles from it, came to 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 49 

Stanton River, about twelve, where meeting Col. Isaac 
Coles, (formerly a member of Congress for this district) 
and who pressing me to it, I went to his house, about one 
mile off to dine and to halt a day for the refreshment of 
myself and horses, leaving my servants and them at one 
of the usually indifferent taverns at the Ferry that they 
might be no trouble or be inconvenient to a private family. 

Monday, 6th. 

Finding my horses fared badly at the Ferry for want 
of grass and Col. Cole s kindly pressing me they were ac 
cordingly brought there to take the run of it until night. 
Dined with the gentlemen to-day also. The road from 
Halifax Old Court House or Town to Stanton River pass 
es for the most part over this land a good deal mixed with 
pine. 

Tuesday, 7th. 

Left Col. Cole s by daybreak and breakfasted at Char 
lotte C. H., 15 miles, where I was detained some time to 
get shoes put on such horses as had lost them, proceeded 
afterwards to Prince Edward C. H., 20 miles further. The 
lands from Stanton Ferry to Charlotte C. H. are gener 
ally good and pretty thickly settled. They are cultivated 
chiefly in tobacco, wheat and corn with oats and flaxon. 
The houses, tho none elegant, are generally decent and 
bespeak good livers being for the most part weather- 
boarded and shingled with brick chimneys but from 
Charlotte C. H. to Prince Edward C. H., the lands are of 
an inferior quality with few inhabitants in sight of the 
road. It is said they are thickly settled off it. The roads 
by keeping the ridges pass on the most indifferent ground. 

Wednesday, the 8th. 

Left Prince Edward C. H., as soon as it was well light, 
and breakfasted at one Treadways, 13 miles off, dined 
at Cumberland C. H., 14 miles further, and lodged at 
Moore s Tavern, within 2 miles from Carters Ferry, over 



50 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

James River. The road from Prince Edward C. H., to 
Treadway was very thickly settled, altho the land appear 
ed thin and the growth is in a great degree pine, and from 
Treadway to Cumberland C. H., they were equally thickly 
settled, on better land, less mixed, and in places not mixed 
with pine. The buildings appeared to be better. 

Thursday 9th. 

Set off very early from Mooros, but the proper ferry 
boat being hauled up, We were a tedious while crossing in 
one of the boats used in the navigation of the river, being 
obliged to carry one carriage at a time, without horses and 
crossways the boat on planks. Breakfasted at the Widow 
Paynes, 17 miles on the north of the river, and lodged at 
a Mr. Jordans, a private house, where we were kindly 
entertained and which we were driven to by necessity 
by having rode not less than 25 miles from our breakfast 
ing stop thru very bad roads in a very sultry day without 
any rest and by missing the right road had got lost. 
From the river to the Widow Paynes and thence to An 
derson s Bridge, over the North Anna Branch of the Pa- 
monky the lands are not good nor thickly settled (ex 
cept in places) from thence for several miles further but 
afterwards throughout the county of Louisa, which is en 
tered after passing the bridge, the river over which it is 
made, dividing it from Goochland they are much better 
and continued so with little exception quite to Mr. Jor 
dan s. 

Friday, 10th. 

Left Mr. Jordan s early and breakfasted at one John 
sons, 7 miles off. Reached Fredericksburg, after another 
short halt, about 3 o clock, and dined and lodged at my 
sister Lewis . The lands from Mr. Jordans to Johnson s 
and from thence several miles farther are good but not 
rich afterwards. As you approached nearer the Rappahan- 
nock River they appear to be of a thinner quality and 
more inclined to Black Jacks. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 51 

After dinner with several gentlemen, whom my sister 
had invited to dine with me I crossed the Rappahannock 
and proceeded to Stafford C. H., where I lodged. About 
sunrise we were off, breakfasted at Dumfrees, and arrived 
at Mt. Vernon for dinner. From Monday, the 13th, until 
Monday, the 27th, (being the day I had appointed to meet 
the Commissioners, under the Residence Act, at George 
town) I remained at home, and spent my time in daily 
rides to my several farms and in receiving several visits, 

Monday, June 27th., 1791. 

Left Mount Vernon for Georgetown before six o clock 
and according to appointment met the commissioners at 
the place by nine, then calling together the proprietors 
of the lands on which the Federal City was supposed to be 
built, who had agreed to cede them on certain conditions 
at the last meeting I had with them at his place. From 
some misconception with respect to the extension of their 
grants had refused to make conveyances and recapitulat 
ing the principles upon which my communications to 
them at the former meeting were made and giving some 
explanation of the present state of matters, and the con 
sequences of delay in this business they readily waived 
their objections and agreed to convey to the uttermost ex 
tent of what was required. 

Tuesday, June 28th. 

Whilst the commissioners were engaged in preparing 
the deeds to be signed by the subscribers this afternoon 
I went out with Major L Enfant and Mr. Ellicot to take 
more perfect view of the ground in order to decide finally 
on the spot on which to p ] ace the public buildings and to 
direct him a line which was to leave out a spring (com 
monly known by the name of the Cool Spring) , belonging 
to Major Stoddart should be run. 

Wednesday, June 29th. 

The deeds which remained unexecuted yesterday were 
*igned today and the dowers of their respective wires 



52 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

acknowledged according to law. This being accomplished 
I called the several subscribers together and made known 
to them the spots on which I meant to place the buildings 
for the Executive Departments of the Government, and 
for the Legislature of ditto. A plan was also laid before 
them of the city, in order to convey to them general ideas 
of the city ; but they were told that some alterations, de 
viations from it, would take place, particularly in the di- 
isgonal streets or avenues, which would not be so numer 
ous, and in the removal of the President s house more 
westerly, for the advantage of higher ground. They were 
also told that a Townhouse or Exchange would be placed 
on some convenient ground between the spots designed 
for the public buildings before mentioned, and it was with 
much pleasure that a general approbation of the measure 
seemed to pervade the whole. 

Thursday, June 30th. 

The business which brought me to Georgetown being 
finished and the commissioners being instructed with re- 
epect to the mode of carrying the plans into effect I set 
off this morning a little after four o clock in the prosecu 
tion of my journey towards Philadelphia, and being de 
sirous of seeing the nature of the country north of 
Georgetown and along the upper road I resolved to pass 
through Fredericktown in Maryland and York and Lan 
caster in Pennsylvania, and accordingly breakfasted at a 
small village called Williamsburg, in which stands the 
Courthouse of Montgomerie County, fourteen miles from 
Georgetown dined at one Peter s Tavern twenty miles 
further and arrived at Fredericktown about sundown, the 
whole distance about forty-three miles. The road by 
iwhich I passed is rather hilly but the lands are good, and 
from Monocassy to F. T. They are well timbered. The 
country is better settled than I expected to find, the 
land is well calculated for small grain of which a good 
deal is now on the ground but thin, owing, as the far- 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 53 

mers think, to the extreme drouth of the spring, though 
more, as it appeared to me, to the frost and want of snow 
to cover their grain during the winter. 

Friday, July 1st. 

Received an address from the Inhabitants of Frederick- 
town and about seven o clock left it. Dined at one Cooker- 
ly s thirteen miles off, and lodged at Tawnytown only 
twelve miles farther, being detained at the first stage 
by the rain and to answer the address which had been 
presented to me in the morning. Tawnytown is but a 
small place with only the street through which the road 
passes built on. The buildings are principally of wood. 
Between Cookerly s and this place we passed the little 
and great Pipe Cr s. branches of Monocacy. The latter 
about half way between them is a considerable stream, 
and from its appearance capable of navigation. The lands 
over which we travelled this day are remarkably fine, 
but as was observed yesterday the fields were thinly 
covered with grain, owing as I conceived to the cause al 
ready mentioned. The farmbhouses are good, most of 
them, and the settlers compact with good barns and 
meadows appertaining to them. 

Saturday, July 2nd. 

Set out a little after four o clock and in about six miles 
crossed the line which divides the states of Maryland and 
Pennsylvania, but the trees on which are so grown up 
that I could not perceive the opening, though I kept a 
lookout for it, nine miles from Tawnytown, Littlestown 
is passed. They are of similar appearance buildings 
look more insignificant than the former. Seven miles 
farther we came to Hanover (commonly called McAlister- 
town) a very pretty village with a number of good brick 
houses, and mechanics in it at this place is a good Inn 
we breakfasted and in eighteen miles more we reached 
Yorktown, where we dined and lodged. The country from 



54 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

Tawnytown to Yorktown is exceedingly pleasant, thickly 
inhabited and well improved. The dwelling houses, barns 
and meadows being good. After dinner in company with 
Colonel Hartley and other Gentlemen I walked through the 
principal streets of the Town, and drank tea at Colonel 
Hartley s The C. H. was illuminated* 

Sunday, July 3rd. 

Received and answered an address from the inhabit 
ants of Yorktown and there being no Episcopal minister 
present in the place I went to hear morning service per 
formed in the Dutch Reformed Church which being in 
that language not a word of which I understood I was in 
no danger of becoming a proselyte to its religion by the 
eloquence of the preacher. After service accompanied by 
Colonel Hartley and a half a dozen other Gentlemen I set 
off for Lancaster. I dined at Wright s Ferry where I was 
met by General Hand and many of the principal charac 
ters of Lancaster and escorted to the town by them ar 
riving at six o clock. The country from York to Lancas 
ter is very fine, thickly settled and well cultivated. About 
the Ferry they are extremely rich. The River Susque- 
hanna at this place is more than a mile wide and some 
pretty views on the banks of it. 

Monday, July 4th, 1791. 

This being the anniversary of American Independence 
and being kindly requested to do it I agreed to halt here 
this day and partake of the entertainment which was pre 
pared for the celebration of it In the forenoon I walked 
about the town. At half past two o clock I received and 
answered an address from the Corporation and received 
the compliments of the Clergy of different denominations, 
dined between three and four o clock drank tea with 
Mrs. Hand. 

(President Washington arrived in Phila. Wednesday 
July 6th The End of his Southern Tour.) 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 55 

Tuesday, September 30th, 1794. 

Having determined from the reports of the commis 
sioners who were appointed to meet the Insurgents in 
the western counties in the state of Pennsylvania and 
from other circumstances to repair to the places appoint 
ed for the Rendezvous of the militia of New Jersey, Penn 
sylvania, Maryland and Virginia I left the city of Phila 
delphia about half past ten o clock this forenoon, accom 
panied by Colonel Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury), 
and my private secretary. Dined at Norristown and 
lodged at a place called the Trap, the first seventeen and 
the latter twenty-five miles from Philadelphia. At Nor 
ristown we passed a detachment of militia who were 
preparing to march for the Rendezvous at Carlisle, and at 
the Trap, late in the evening we were overtaken by Major 
Stagg, principal clerk in the Department of War, with 
letters from General Wayne and the western army, con 
taining official and pleasing accounts of his engagement 
with the Indians near the British post at the Rapids of 
the Miami of the Lake, and of his having destroyed afl 
the Indian settlements on that River in the vicinity of the 
said post quite up to the grand Glaize, the quantity 
was not less than 5000 acres ( ?) and the stores, etc., of 
Col. McGee, the British Agent of Indian affairs, a mile 
or two from the Garrison. 

October 1st (Wednesday) 

Left the Trap early and breakfasting at Pott s Grove, 
eleven miles we reached Reading to dinner 18 ( ?) mile* 
farther where we found several detachments of Infantrr 
and Calvary preparing for their march to Carlisle. 

Thursday, October 2nd. 

An accident happening to one of my horses occasioned 
my setting out later than was intended. I got off im 
time, however, to make a halt to bait my horses at Womel- 



56 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

dorfs fourteen miles, and to view the Canal from Myers- 
town towards Lebanon and the Locks between the two 
places, which (four adjoining each other in the dissent 
(descent) from the Summit ground) along the Tulpe- 
hocken; built of brick,) appeared admirably constructed. 
Beached Lebanon at night twenty-eight miles. 

Friday, October 3rd. 

Breakfasted &lt;at HumeFs T. fourteen miles and dined 
and lodged at Harrisburg on the banks of the Susque 
hanna, twenty-three miles from Lebanon. At Harris- 
burg we found the First Regiment of New Jersey (about 
560 strong) commanded by Colo Turner, drawn out to re 
ceive me. Passed along the line to my quarters and after 
dinner walked through and round the town, which is con 
siderable for its age (of about eight or nine years). The 
Susquehanna at this place abounds in Rockfish of twelve 
or fifteen inches in length, and a fish which they call Sal 
mon. 

Saturday, October 4th. 

Forded the Susquehanna nearly a mile wide including 
the island at the lower end of which the road crosses it. 
On the Cumberland side I found a detachment of the Phil 
adelphia Light Horse ready to receive and escort me to 
Carlisle, seventeen miles; where I arrived about eleven 
o clock two miles short of it I met the Governors of Penn 
sylvania and New Jersey with all the Cavalry that had 
Rendevouzed at that place drawn up, passed them, and 
the Infantry of Pennsylvania before I alighted at my 
quarters. 

Sunday, October 5th. 

Went to the Presbyterian meeting, and heard Dr. Da- 
Tidson preach a political sermon, recommendation of or 
der and good government and the excellencies of that 
of the United States. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 57 

October 6th 12th. 

Employed in organizing the several detachments which 
had come in from different counties of the state in a very 
disjointed and loose manner, or rather I ought to have 
said in urging and assisting Gen. Mifflin to do it as I 
no otherwise took the command of the troops than 
to press them forward and to provide them with neces 
saries for their march as well and as far as our means 
would admit. To effect these purposes I appointed Gen. 
Hand, Adjutant General, on the 7th. On the 9th William 
Tindley and David Reddick deputed by the Committee 
of Safety (as it is designated) which met on the 2nd of 
this month at Parkinson Ferry arrived in Camp with the 
Resolutions of the said Committee, and to give informa 
tion of the state of things in the four western couties of 
Pennsylvania, to wit: Washington, Fayette, Westmore 
land, and Alleghany, to see if it would prevent the march 
of the army into them. At ten o clock I had a meeting 
with these persons in presence of Governor Howell (of 
New Jersey,) the Secretary of the Treasury, Col. Hamil 
ton, and Mr. Dandridge Governor Mifflin was invited 
to be present but excused himself on account of business. 
I told the deputies that by one of the Resolutions it would 
appear that they were empowered to give information of 
the disposition and of the existing state of matters in 
the four countries above mentioned; that I was ready 
to hear and would listen patiently and with candour to 
what they had to say. Mr. Tindley began. He confined 
his information to such parts of the four counties as he 
was best acquainted with, referring to Mr. Reddick for a 
recital of what fell within his knowledge in the other 
parts of these countries. The substance of Mr. Tindley s 
communications were as follows, viz: that the people in 
the parts where he was best acquainted had seen their 
folly and he believed were disposed to submit to the Laws ; 



58 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

that he thought but could not undertake to be responsible 
for the re-establishment of the public offices, for the collec 
tion of the taxes on distilled spirits and stills, intimating, 
however, that it might be best for the present or until the 
people s minds were a little more tranquilized to hold the 
office of inspection at Pittsburg, under the protection or at 
least under the influence of the Garrison ; that he thought 
the distillers would either enter their stills or would pull 
(?) them down; that the civil authority was beginning 
to recover its tone; and enumerated some instances of 
it; that the ignorance and general want of information 
among the people far exceeded anything he had any con 
ception of ! that it was not merely the Excise Law that 
opposition was aimed at, but to all Law and Government 
and to the officers of Government; and that the situation 
in which he had been and the life he had led for some time 
was such that rather than go through it again he would 
prefer quitting this scene altogether. Mr. Redick s infor 
mation was similar to the above except to the three last 
recitals, on which I do not recollect that he expressed any 
sentiment further than that the situation of those who 
were not in the opposition to Government whilst the fren 
zy was at its height were obliged to sleep with their arm* 
by their bedside every night ; not knowing but that before 
morning they might have occasion to use them in defense 
of their persons or their properties. He added that for a 
long time after the riots commenced and until lately the 
distrust of one another was such that even friends were 
afraid to communicate their sentiments to each other; 
that by whispers, this was brought about; and growing 
bolder as they became more communicative they found 
their strength; and that there was a general disposition 
not only to aquiesce under but to support the Laws ; and 
he gave some instances also of Magistrates enforcing 
them. He said the people of those counties believed that 
the opposition to the Excise Law, or at least that their 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 59 

dereliction to it in every other part of the United States 
was similar to their own, and that no troops could be got 
to march against them for the purpose of co-ercion : that 
every account until very lately of the troops marching 
against them was disbelieved, and supposed to be the 
fabricated tales of governmental men; that now they 
had got alarmed; that many were disposing of their 
property at an under rate in order to leave the country; 
and added, (I think) , that they would go to Detroit ; that 
no persons of any consequence, except one, but what had 
availed themselves of the proffered amnesty ; that those 
who were still in the opposition and obnoxious to the 
Laws were men of little or no property, and cared but 
little where they resided; that he did not believe there 
was the least intention in them to oppose the army ; and 
that there was not three rounds of ammunition for them 
in all the western country. He, (and I think Mr. Tind- 
ley also), was apprehensive that the resentments of the 
army might be productive of treatment to some of these 
people that might be attended with disagreeable conse 
quences and on that account seemed to deprecate the 
march of it: declaring, however, that it was their wish 
that if the people did not give proofs of unequivocal sub 
mission that it might not stop short of its object. After 
hearing what both had to say I briefly told them that it 
had been the earnest wish of Government to bring the 
people of those counties to a sense of their duty by mild 
and lenient means ; that for the purpose of representing 
to their sober reflection the fatal consequences of such 
conduct commissioners had been sent amongst them that 
they might be warned in time of what must follow if 
they persevered in their opposition to the Laws ; but that 
coercion would not be resorted to except in the dernier 
resort, but that the season of the year made it indispensa 
ble that the preparation for it should keep pace with 
the proposition that had been made; that it was nee- 



60 WASHINGTON S DIATJES 

essary for me to enumerate the tranactions of those peo 
ple, (as they related to the proceedings of the Govern 
ment) , for as much as they knew them as well as I did ; 
that the measures which they were now a witness to the 
adoption of was not less painful than expensive; was in 
convenient and distressing in every point of view, but as 
I considered the support of the Laws as an object of the 
first magnitude and the greatest part of the expense had 
already been incurred, that nothing short of the most un 
equivocal proofs of absolute submission should retard the 
march of the army into the western counties in order to 
convince them that the Government could and would en 
force obedience to the Laws not suffering them to be in 
sulted with impunity : being asked again what proof would 
be required, I answered, they knew as well as I did what 
was due to justice and example. They understood my 
meaning and asked if they might have another interview. 
I appointed five o clock in the afternoon for it. At this se 
cond meeting there was little more than a repetition of 
what had passed in the forenoon ; and it being again men 
tioned that all the principal characters except one in the 
western counties who had been in the opposition had sub 
mitted to the proposition I was induced, seeing them in 
the street the next day, to ask Mr. Redick who that one 
was, telling him, at the same time, I required no disclos 
ure that he did not feel himself entirely free to make. 
He requested a little time to think of it, and asked for an 
other meeting which was appointed at five o clock in that 
afternoon when it took place accordingly, when he said 
David Bradford was the person he had alluded to in his 
former conversation. He requested to know if a meet 
ing of the people by their deputies would be permitted by 
the army at any given point on their march into that 
country (with fresh eveidence of the sincerity of their 
disposition to aquiesce in whatever might be required.) I 
replied: "I saw no objection to it provided they came 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 61 

unarmed, but to be cautious that not a gun was fired, as 
there could be no answering for consequences in this 
case. I assured them that every possible care should be 
taken to keep the troops from offering them any insult 
or damage, and that those who always had beeen subor 
dinate to the laws and such as had availed themselves 
of the amnesty should not be injured in their persons or 
property ; and that the treatment of the rest would depend 
upon their own conduct; that the army unless opposed 
did not mean to act as executioners or bring offenders 
to a military Tribunal, but merely to aid the civil magis 
trates with whom offences would lie. Thus ended the 
matter. On the 10th the Light and legionary corps under 
the immediate command of Major McPherson, the Jersey 
Regiment and Guirney s from Philadelphia commenced 
their march under the orders of Governor Howell, and 
the day following the whole body of Cavalry (except the 
three troops of Philadelphia Horse commanded by Cap 
tain Dunlap as part of the Legion above mentioned) , and 
under Gen. White, a new formed corps of independent 
uniform companies and several other corps under the 
command of Gov. Mifflin marched all for the rendezvous 
at Bedford. The rank of the principal officers of the 
army being first settled by me as follows : First, Govern 
or Lee of Virginia, to be commander in chief, if I do not 
go out myself; second Governor Mifflin, third Governor 
Howell, fourth Maj. General Daniel Morgan, or Major 
General Irvine, according to the dates of their militia 
commissions ; the brigadiers in like manner according to 
seniority. 

October 12th. 

Having settled these matters I set the troops off as 
before mentioned, given them their route and day s 
marching, and left Major General Irvine to organize the 
remainder of the Pennsylvania detachments as they 



62 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

might come in and to march them and the Jersey troops 
on when refreshed. I set out from Carlisle about seven 
o clock this morning, dined at Shippensburg, twenty-one 
miles, and lodged at Chambersburg eleven miles farther, 
when I was joined by the Adjutant General, Hand. 

October 13th. 

Breakfasted at Greencastle, ten miles, and lodged at 
Williamsport fourteen miles farther. Having now passed 
through the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland, Wil 
liamsport being on the banks of the Potomac at the 
mouth of the Conogocheagan (?) I shall summarily no 
tice the kind of land and state of improvement along 
the road I have come. From the city of Philadelphia, or 
rather from Norristown to Reading the road passes over 
a reddish and slaty or shelly kind of land through a very 
open and hilly country, tolerably well cultivated by the 
farmers. The farmhouses are good, and their barns 
above mediocrity, the former chiefly of stone. The whole 
road indeed from Philadelphia to Reading goes over hilly 
and broken ground but veiy pleasant, notwithstanding. 
From Reading to Lebanon along what is called the Valley, 
the country is extremely fine, the lands rich, the agri 
culture good, as the buildings also are, especially the 
barns which are large and fine and for the most part of 
stone. This settlement is chiefly of Dutch and upon the 
Tulpahockon. From Lebanon to Harrisburg, along the 
same vale, the lands are also good, but not in so high a 
state of cultivation as between Reading and Lebanon. 
From Harrisburg to Carlisle the lands are exceedingly fine, 
but not under such cultivation and improvement as one 
might have expected. From Carlisle along the left road, 
which I pursued to be out of the march of the army and 
to avoid the inconvenience of passing the waggons belong 
ing to it, the lands are but indifferent, until we came to 
within a few miles of Shippensburg. The first part being 
of a thin and dry soil succeeded by piney flats (not far 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 63 

from the South Mountain. For a few miles before we ar 
rived at Shippensburg the lands were good but unculti 
vated. The improvements along this road were mean. 
The farms scattered, the houses but indifferent, and the 
husbandry apparently bad. Along the road which the 
Troops marched both lands and the improvments, I was 
told, are much better. The roads come together again at 
the eastern end of the town. From Shippensburg to 
Chambersburgh the road passed over pretty good land, 
better (but not well) cultivated than that bteween Carlisle 
and Shippensburg. From Chambersburg o Williamsport 
the lands are fine, the houses an improvement amended 
considerably. 

October 14th. 

About seven o clock, or half after it, we left Williams- 
port, and travelling upon the Maryland side of the River 

we breakfasted at one , 13 miles on our 

way, & crossing the Potomac a mile or two below Hancock 
Town, lodged at the Warm Springs or Bath, 16 miles from 
eur breakfasting stage, and 29 from Williamsport. 

October 15th. 

Left Bath by seven o clock, & crossing the Cacaphon 
(?) Mountain & the Potomack River by &lt;a very rough 
road, we breakfasted at one Golders distant about 7 
miles Bated our horses at a very indifferent place ab t 13 
Miles further on, and lodged at the Old Town 33 or 34 
Miles. This distance, from the extreme badness of the 
Road, more than half of it being very hilly, & great part 
of it stony, was a severe days journey for the carriage 
horses, they performed it however, well. 

October 16th. 

After an early breakfast we set out for Cumberland 
and about 11 o clock arrived there. Three Miles from 



64 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

the Town was met by a party of Horse, under the com 
mand of Major Lewis (my nephew) and by Brig r Gen l 
Smith, of the Maryland line, who escorted me to the 
camp, where, finding all the Troops under arms, I passed 
along the line of the army, & was conducted to a house, 
the residence of Major Lynn of the Maryland line (an 
old Continental Officer) where I was well lodged, & civily 
entertained. 

October 17th & 18th. 

Remained at Cumberland, in order to acquire a true 
uowledge of the strength, condition &ca of the Troops, 
and to see how they were provided, and when they could 
be in readiness to proceed. I found upwards of 3200 men 
(officers included) in this Encampment understood that 
about 500 more were at a l ; ttle village on the Virginia 
side, 11 miles distant, calleed Frankfort, under the com 
mand of Maj r Gen l Morgan; that 700 men had arrived 
at that place the evening of the 18th, under Brig r 
Mathews, and 500 men were expected in the course of 
a few days under Colo Page; and that the whole were 
well supplied with provisions, forage & Straw. 

Having requested that everything might be speedily 
arranged for a forward movement, and a light corps to 
be organized for the advance under the command of 
Major Gen l Morgan, I resolved to proceed to Bedford 
next morn ng. At this place a deputation was received 
from the County of Fayette consisting of a Colo Mason, 
Terrence and Clinton, who came to give assurance that 
deposits for the army might safely be made in that Coun 
ty, and any person sent from it for this purpose would 
be safe in doing it. They were desired to get their wheat 
ground up &gt;and their oats threshed out, to be in readiness 
to be drawn to any place, or places, that might be requir 
ed after the army had crossed the mountains. From Col 
Mason (who has beeen a uniform friend to Government) 
and from a variety of concurrant accounts, it appears ev- 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 65 

ident that the people in the Western Counties of this 
state have got very much alarmed at the approach of 
the army; but though submission is professed, their 
principles remain the same, and that nothing but coercion 
& example will reclaim & bring them to a due & unequiv 
ocal submission to the Laws. 

October 19th. 

In company with Gen l Lee, who I requested to attend 
me, that all the arrangements necessary for the army s 
crossing the Mount ns in two columns might be made, 
their routs & days marches fixed, that the whole might 
move in unison, and accompanied by the Adjutant Gen 
eral and my own family we set out ab t eight o clock for 
Bedford, and making one halt at the distance of 12 miles, 
reached it a little after 4 o clock in the afternoon, being 
met a little out of the encampment by Gov r Mifflin, Gov 
Howell & several other officers of distinction. Quarters 
were provided for me at the House of a Mr. Espy, Proth- 
onotary of the County of Bedford, to which I was carried 
and lodged very comfortably. The Road from Cumbel d 
to this place is, in places, stoney, but in other respects not 
bad. It passes through a valley the whole way, and was 
opened by Troops under my command in the Autumn of 
1758. The whole vallley consists of good farming land, 
& part of it, next Cumberland, is tolerably well improved 
in its culture but not much so in Houses. 

October 20th. 

Called the Quarter Master General, Adjutant General, 
Contractor, & others of the staff departm t before me, & 
the Commander in chief, at nine o clock this morning, in 
order to fix on the Routs of the two columns & their 
stages : and to know what the situation of matters were in 
their respective departments, and when they w d be able 
to put the army in motion ; also to obtain a correct return 
of the strength and to press the commanding officers of 



66 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

corps to prepare with all the celerity in their power for a 
forward movement. Upon comparing accts. it was found 
that the army could be put in motion 23rd, and it was so 
ordered by the Routs which will be mentioned hereafter. 
Matters being thus arranged I wrote a farewell address 
to the army, through the Commander in Chief, Gov r 
Lee, to be published in orders and having prepared his 
Instructions and made every arrangment that occured 
as necessary I prepared for my return to Philadelphia, 
in order to meet Congress, and to attend to the Civil 
duties of my Office. I should have mentioned before that 
I found (on my arrival at Bedford) the judge and attor 
ney for the district of Pennsylvania attending, as they 
had been required to do, the army. I found also, which 
appeared to me to be an unlucky measure, that the former 
had issued his warrants against, and a party of light 
horse had actually siez d, one Herman Husbands and one 
Tilson (?) as Insurgents, or abettors of the Insurrection 
I call it unlucky because my intention was to have sus 
pended all proceeding of a civil nature until the .army had 
united its columns in the center of the Insurgent counties 
& then have ciezed at one & the same all the leaders 
and principals of the Insurrection and because it is 
to be feared that the proceeding above mentioned will 
have given the alarm, and those who are most obnoxious 
to punishment will flee from the Country. 

So therefore I came home to Richmond 

(The President & his Suite arrived in Phila from Bed 
ford Oct. 28, 1794.) 

(April, 1795) 

Tuesday 14th. Left Philadelphia for Mt. Vernon, 14 
reached Wilmington. 

15. Ditto Roger s Susqs. 

16. Baltimore. 

17. Bladensburgh. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 67 

18. Georgetown. 

19. Mount Vernon, and remained there until the 26th. 

26. Came to Georgetown. 

27. In the federal City. 

28. Arrived at Bladensburgh. 

29. Baltimore. 

30. Roger s Susquehanna. 

(May, 1795) 

May 1st came to Wilmington. 
2. Arrived at Philadelphia. 

(July, 1795) 

15. Left Phiiaa with Mrs. Washington and my family 
for Mt. Vernon. 

Dined at Chester and lodged at Wilmington. 

16. Breakfasted at Christa dined at Elkton and lodg*d 
at Susquehanna One of my horses overcome with 
heat. 

17. Breakfasted before I set out dined at Hartford 
and lodged at Websters bro t on the sick horse led. 

18. Breakfasted in Baltime dined and lodged at Spur 
riers where my sick horse died. 

19. Breakfasted at Vanhornes dined at Bladensburgh 
and lodged in Geo. Town. 

20. After doing business with the Comrs of the fed l 
City I proceeded on my journey and got home to din 
ner. 

For August (1795) 

6. Left home on my return to Philadelphia met the 
Potok Co. at Geo: Town and lodged there. 

7. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh din d at Vanhornea 
and lodged at Spur rs. 

8. Breakfasted at Baltimore and dined and lodged at 
Webster s. 

9. Breakfasted at Hartford, dined at Susquehana* 
and lodged at Charlestown. 



68 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

10. Breakfasted at Elkton, dined at Newcastle and 
lodged at Wilmington. 

11. Breakfasted at Chester and dined in Phil a. 

For September (1795) 

8. Left Phil a for Mt. Vernon dined at Chester and 
lodged at Wilmington. 

9. Breakfasted at Christianna, dined at Elkton and 
lodged at Charlestown. 

10. Breakfasted at Susquehanna (Mrs. Roger s) dined 
at Hartford and lodged at Websters. 

11. Breakfasted at Baltimore dined and lodged at 
Spurriers. 

12. Breakfasted at Van Horns Dined at Bladens- 
burgh and Lodged at George Town and reached Mt. 
Vernon to dinner. 

Sept. 25th. Went to Alexandria dined with Mr. and 

Mrs. Lear. 
26th Returned home to dinner. 

For October (1795) 

12. Set out for Phil a. 

13. Stayed at Geo Town. 

14. Lodged at Spurriers. 

16. Lodged at Websters. 

17. Ditto at Hartford. 

18. Ditto at Elkton. 

19 Ditto at Wilmington. 

20. Arrived at Phil. 

The whole month of November has been remarkable 
pleasant The ground has never been froze but few 
white frosts, and no Snow. 

January 1798 December 1798 
Remarks in January. 

2. Clear with the Wind (tho not much of it) at N o 
W t Mer. ab t 30. A Mr. Elliott came to dinn r and 
stayed all night. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 69 

3. Mrs. L. Washington and Mr. Elliott went away after 
breakfast, and Mrs. Washington, myself &ca went to 
Alexandria and dined with Mr. Fi tzhugh Morning 
clear but lowering afterwards Mer. about 28. Wind 
N o easterly. 

8. Wind at S o E t in the Morning and lowering Mer 
at 28 ab t Noon it began to rain and cont d to do so 
all the aftern n Mer. 30 at Night A Mr. Marshall 
Music Master came here Tuned Nelly Custis Harpsi- 
cord and returned after dinner. 

11. Clear with the wind fresh all the forenoon from 
No W t Mer. at 25 in the Morn g. 36 at its greatest 
Height and 27 at Night Mr. Lear dined here and re 
turned. 

14. A little lowering all day with but little wind and that 
Southerly.. Mer at 36 in the Morning, 46 at Night and 
48 when highest. Mr. Lewis Burwell came to dinner 
and Mr. Woodward in the evening. 

15. Southerly Wind-Soft Monn g thin clouds Mer at 
46 at Sunrise 50 at Noon and 50 at Night Slow rain 
from 12 o clock with the wind Southerly Mr. Burwell 
and Mr. Woodward went away and I went to Alexan 
dria to a meeting of the Stockholders of that Bank to 
an election of Directors. 

20. Still likely for Snow a small sprinkle, but not enough 
to cover the ground in the Morning. About 10 o clock 
it cleared and became remarkably pleasant wind 
Southerly Mer. at 26 in the Morning 40 at highest, 
and 32 at Night. Mr. G. W. Craik came here to dinner. 

23. Snow just suff t to cover the ground, fell in the 
night Wind at N o W t in the morning and Mer. at 
30 noon 25, and at night 20. Wind fresh all day. Mr. 
Howell Lewis came to dinner. 

24. Wind at N o W t in the morning at noon 28 and 
at Night 22. Clear all day, and afternoon the Wind 
was Southerly Mr. J no Hopkins and Mr. Hodgden 
came to dinner. 



70 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

25. Wind Southerly all day and much like Snow in the 
forenoon clear afterwards Mer. 26 32 and 32. 
Messrs. Hopkins and Hodgden went away after Break 
fast. 

28. Snow about an inch deep Clear and wind at N o W t 
and Mer. at 20 in the morning. 33 at its highest and 
20 at Night Mr. Craik and Mr. Howell Lewis went 
away after breakfast. 

February 1798. 

1. Clear wind about S o W t and Mer. 28 in the Morning. 
Pretty brisk from N o W t about Noon and Calm 
towards night and clear all day Mer. 40 at Night and 
45 when highest A Mr. Lad and a Mr. Gibbes from 
Rhode Island dined here and returned to Alexandria. 

3. Wind brisk from N o W t and Mer. 42 in the Morning 
Clear and but little of it afterwards Mer 44 at high 
est and 38 at Night. A Mr. Adamson from Hamburgh 
and Doct r Stuart came to dinner. 

4. Wind Southerly and weather lowering Mer. at 31 in 
the Morning, 44 at Noon and at Night, afternoon clear. 
Mr. Adamson went away after breakfast and Mr. 
Craik and Mr. Marshall came to dinner, the latter re- 
turned after it. 

5. Clear all day and wind ceasing towards 

Night Dr. Stuart went away after breakfast. 

7. Wind Southerly in the Morning but shifted before 10 
o clock and turned very cold. Mer. 31 in the morn g. 
Went to a meet g of the Potomak Co. in George Town 
Dined at Col Fitzgeralds and lodged at Mr. T. Pe 
ters. 

8. Visited the Public build g s in the Morn g. Met the 
Comp y at the Union Tavern and dined there lodged ag 
before. Weather very cold. Wind Northerly. 

9. Returned home to Dinner hard freezing the three 

last Nights Weather still cold Found Mr. 

Geo. Calvert here. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 71 

10. Mr. Calvert left this breakfast. 

12. Clear. Went with the family to a Ball in Alexa given 
by the Citizens of it and its vicinity in commemoration 
of the anniversary of my birthday. 

14. Wind at N o and Mer. 25 in the morning clear af- 
terw ds. Mer. 33 at Night. Mr. Alex r Spotswood and 
Wife and Mr. Field g Lewis and Mr. Lear came to din 
ner, the latter returned afterwards. 

15. Afternoon clear and evening lowering. 

Mr. Field g Lewis went aw?y after dinner. 

16. Cloudy most part of the day. Mr. and 

Mrs. Spotwood left us after breakfast. 

18. Mer. 24 at Night and 34 at highest. Doct r 

Stuart came in the evening. 

19. Mer. at 22 in the morning Wind at N o E t and ex 
tremely cloudy about four o clock it began to Hail 

Doct r Stuart went away after Break t. 

March 1798 

3. Cloudy with appearances of Snow. Wind at N o a 
little Easterly. Mer. 29 and ground frozen in the 
morning ab t noon it cleared and the wind shifted to 
the Southward Mer. 30 at Night and 34 at highest 
Mr. G. W. Craik dined here and returned. 

4. Morning clear and calm White frost Mer. 26 gr d 
frozen Clear and pleasant all day with the Wind at 
S o. Mer. 41 at night and 43 at highest. Doct r Stuart 
came to dinner. 

5. Calm Morn g with Indications of a change in the 
weather Mer. at 30. Doct r Stuart left this, to accom 
pany Washington Custis to St. Johns College at An 
napolis. Mess rs Bonne and Lawrence from New York 
and young Hartshorn dined here and ret d. Mer. 40, 
at N. 46. 

6. Morning clear Doct r Craik dined 

here and went away afterwards. 

8. Cloudy with the wind at N o E t, but not much of it 
and Mer. at 40 in the Morn g Clear afterwards and 



72 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

wind Southerly Col o Heth, Col o Fitzgerald 

and Mr. Paller dined here the two last left it after 
dinner. 

9. Morning sun rose red thin gauz clouds Wind N o 
E t. Mer. 38 Clear afterwards and wind at S o W t. 
Mer. 50 at Night, 52 at height. Colo. Heath went away 
after breakfast. 

10. Morning clear and smoaky Wind at South and Mer. 

at 50 Clear all day and wind in same quarter 

Ludwell and Geo. Lee Esq rs and Mr. Robert 

Beverly dined here and returned and Mr. and Mrs. 
Peter and Nelly Custis came after dinner. 

11. Morning thin clouds brisk South wind. Mer. at 
57. in the afternoon Rain with thunder and lighten 
ing Mer. at 55 and 63 at highest. Col o Ball and Doct r 
Stuart came to Dinner. 

12. Clear all day Mer. 42 at Night and 

44 at highest Calm evening Col o Ball and Dr. Stu 
art, went after B t. 

13. Morning cloudy and but little wind Mer. at 40 

Clear afterw rds Mr. Peter went away after 

break. 

17. Morning cloudy Wind at East and Mer. at 35 

Mr. Snow of Massachusetts dined here and returned 
to Alex a. 

18. Morning thick Mr. Steer, Sen r and Jun r, 

Miss Steer and Mrs. Vanhaven dined here and return 
ed to Alex a afterwards. Mr. Peter came in the after 
noon. 

19. Morning Raining slow Mer. 42 at Night and no 

higher all day. Horns of the New Moon up. Dined 
with Mrs. Washington ec a at Mr. Thomson Mason s. 

20. Mr. Law e Washington of Chotanck and 

Mr. Law e Washington of Belmont came to Dinner. Al- 
bin Rawlins came to live with me as Clerk. 

21. Mr. L. Washington of Belmont went away. 

23. Mr. L. Washington of Chotanck and Mr. 

Peter went away after breakfast. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 73 

25. __ Mr. Nichols and wife and Mr. Lear and 

family dined here. Mr. Peter return d. 

27. Mr. Charles Carroll, Jun., and Mr. Will m 

Lee came to dinner 

28. Mr. Carroll and Mr. Lee went away after 

brekafast and the family here went to dine with Mr. 
Nichols. 

30. Doct r Flood dined here. 

31. A Mr. Tevot, a French Gentleman recom d 

by Count de Rochambsau dined here and a Mr. Free 
man, Member in Congress from N. Hamp. came in the 
afternoon and returned. 

(April 1798) 

1. Morning smoaky and a little cloudy, with the wind 
fresh from the Southward. Mer. 60 at night 66, and 
not higher all day. Mr. Law, a Mr. Taylor, Lieut t 
Walton of the Navy and young Mr. Barry came to 
dinner, and Ch s Alexander, Jun r came at night. 

2. Morning, very heavy, wind at N o E t, Mer. 56 Rain 
ing more or less from 10 ocl k, wind more Northerly 
Mer 40 at night. Mr. Law and the Gentlemen who 
came with left this about noon. 

4. Morning very thick and misting Mr. Alexander 

went away after breakfast. 

8. MorningBegan to rain about 6 o clock and 

became a fine clear day with the wind moderately from 

N o W t Cap. John Spotwood and Mr. Lear 

came to dinner the last went after it. 

9. Mr. Peter went away after breakfast, leav 
ing Mrs. Peter behind him. 

12. Mr. Peter ret. 

13 Gen l Lee came to dinner and CoFo 

Heath and son in the af tern n. 

14. Gen l Lee and Col o., Heath went away 

after breakfast and Dr. Stuart came to D. 

15. Mrs. Fitzhugh and her daughters and son 

came in the afternoon. 



74 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

16. Doct r Stuart went away. I went to 

Alex a to an Election of Delegates for the C ty of 
Fairfax voted for Mess rs West and Jno. Herbert re 
turned to dinner. Mr. Fitzhugh came in the Afternoon. 

17. Morning Wind at No Wt and disagreeably Cold. 
Mer. at 28. Clear and cold all day A very severe frost 
ground hard frozen Ice sufficient to bear Fruit 
supposed to be all killed leaves of trees bit, etc. Mer. 
36 at Night 37 highest. 

18. Morning Clear and more moderate Wind still at 
No Wt. Mercury at 32 Clear all day and but little 
Wind after Morn g. Mer. 50 at Night and no higher all 
day. Peaches not killed and hcped other fruit not hurt. 
Points of New Moon upwards. Mr. Fitzhugh and family 
left this after breakfast. Began to plant corn at Un 
ion farm. 

20. Mr. Peter went away after breakfast and 

Mr. Townsend and Mr. Nich s Fitzhugh came to Din. 

21. Mr. Dade and Mr. Fitz h went after breakf. 

22. Doct r Craik came on a Visit to Eleanor 

Peter. 

23. Mr. Peter returned sent for 

24. Doct r Craik came in the afternoon to vis 
it Mr. Peter s Children. 

25. Doct r went away after breakfast. 

26. Morning very heavy Wind at S. E. Mer. 53 Clear 
afterwards and turning very warm. Mer. at 67 at Night 
and not higher all day. 

The Rev d Mr. Fairfax and Doct r Craik (to visit Mr. 
Peter s children) came to dinner the first returned 
afterwards. 

27. Doct r Craik went away after breakfast and 

Mr. and Mrs. Law and a Mr. Ghan, a Sweedish Gentle 
man came to dinner. 

29. Mr. Ghan w t away after breakfast. 

30. Morning Clear, wind Southerly, Mer. at 62, 70 at 
Night and 74 at highest Mr. Law and Mr. Peter went 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 75 

after breakfast and Doct r Craik and Mrs. Craik and 
Son, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Jenifer and a 
Miss Barnes came to dinner and returned afterwards. 

May 1798. 

2. A light sprinkling of Rain and Cloudy in the morning 
Mer. 66 clear afterwards and very warm Mer 71 at 
Night and 75 at highest. Mr. Law returned to dm r. 

4. Morning Clear and wind Southerly Mer. at 66. Ap 
pearance of Rain but none fell Mr. and Mrs. 

Law went away after breakfast and Nelly Custis went 
up to Hope Park. 

6. A Mr Taylor and a Mr. Crips introduced by Mr. 

Potts dined here as did Mr. S. Peter and Mr. Lear. All 
except Mr. Peter went away after dinner. 

8. Morning perfectly clear and pleasant Calm Mer. at 
64. Lowering afternoon. Mr. Peter, Mrs. Peter and 
their children left this and the Rev d Mr. Lewis from 
Connecticut came in the Afternoon. 

9. Mr. Lewis went away after breakfast I went to 

the Procla n Sermon in Alexandria. 

13. Mr. White and Doct r Craik dined here, the latter 

went away after din r. 

14. Morning clear and cool. Calm. Mer. at 49 Some ap 
pearances of Rain ab t noon but they went off wind 
No. Et, and Mer. at 60 at Night. Mr. White left after 
breakfast. 

18. Clear Morning no rain fell clear all day Mer. at 
60 in the morning and 66 at Night Horns, or points 

of the Moon upwards. 

19. Morning Clear, wind Southerly and Mer. at 55. 
About 8 O clock in the forenoon Mrs. Washington and 
Myself sat out on a visit to Hope Park and the Federal 
City, Got to the former to dinner and remained there 
until Morning when we proceeded to the City. 

Dined at Mr. Thos. Peter s and remained there until 
Wednesday, and then went to Mr. Law s and remained 



76 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

there until Friday when we sat out on our return home 
and called at Mount Eagle to take our leave of the Rev d 
Mr. Fairfax who was on the point of embarking for 
England. 

25. __Mrs. Peaks fam. dined here. 

27. Mr. Lear dined here. 

29. Went up to Alex a on business and returned 

home to dinneer. 

30. Col o Morris, Lady & 4 Children came here af 
ter dinner. 

,31 CoPo Morris & family left this after breakfast 

and Mr. Herbert & Son, the Rev d Mr. Addison, a 
Mr. Rogers of Baltimore, Mr. Delivs ( ?) of Bremen & 
a Mr. Pekmoller of Hamburgh dined here & returned 
afterwards. 

June 1798. 

1. Morning clear & pleasant Wind Southerly & Mer. at 

62 Cloudy more or less all day Mer. 70 at Night. Mr. 

Hartshorne & Mr. Lear dined here. 
2. Mr. Law & a Polish Gentleman, the Companion 

of General Kosciaski came here to dinner, as did Miss 

Lee of Greenspring with Nelly Custis who return d 

today. 
3. Mrs. Law came down to dinner & Mr. & Mrs. 

McClanahan dined here & returned afterwa ds. 
6. Mr. Law went away this morning & Dr. Stuart, 

Mrs. Stuart & three daughters came to breakfast & 

dinner. 

10. Doct r Stuart returned & Mr. Lear dined here. 

11. Mr. Tracy came in the evening. 

12. Mr. Law returned in the Evening. 

13. Mr. Fitzhugh, Lady, & daughter, Mrs. Beverley 

Randolph, with her daughter & Son in Law Randolph 

& his Sister dined here. 

14. Mrs. Stuart & her family & Mr. Law, Mrs. 

Law and Mr. Niemcewitz (the Polish Gent n) went away 

after breakfast. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 77 

15. Mrs. Lund Washington dined here. 

17. Mr. sent by Mr. Pearce to attend 

my Cradlers in harvest arrived. 

21. Mr. Lear & Mr. Tracey dined here the first re 
turned afterwards. 

22. Mr. Tracey went away dinner. 

26. Mr. Law & two French Gent n, viz Mr. La, 

Guin & Mr. Clarmont. 

28th. Col. Simm dined here.- 

July 1798. 

1. Morning Clear & wind Southerly. Mer. 74. Day 
clear & very warm. Mer. 86 at Noon & 84 at night 
Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham & Doct r Welford dined here 
as did Dr. Field. 

3. Mrs. Fairfax, her Sister, daughter & widow Price, 

Mrs. , Mr. Ferd d Fairfax & Lady, and Mr. John 

Herbert & his two Sisters dined here & returned. 

4. Morning clear Breeze from the N o but light 

Mer. 78.80 at Night Went up to the Celebration of 
the Anniversary of Independence and dined in the 
Spring Gardens near Alex a with a large Compa of the 
Civil & Military of Fairfax County. 

6. Doctors Thornton & Dalson, Mr. Ludwell Lee, 

Lady & Miss Armistead, & Mr. David Randolph & a 
Son of Colo R. Kidder Mead came here to Dinner, the 
the two last proceeded to Alex a afterwards. 

7. Mr. R. Bland Lee & Mr. Hodgden came here to 

dinner & Mr. Ludwell Lee & Lady went away after Din. 

8. Mr. Lee & Miss Portia Lee, Mr. Hodgden, & 

Doct r Stuart who came in the afternoon of yesterday 
went away after breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. Potts, Miss 
Fitzhugh, Mrs. Conway, Miss Brown, Mr. Wm. Wilson, 
Mr. Wm. Ramsay & Mr. Lear came to Dinner & return 
ed. 

10. Doct r Craik, Wife & Son a Mr. Craik of Alex a 

& Mrs Hunter of Baltimore Mr. Jno. Herbert Mr. 
De Bourg, Presid. of the College at George Town, an- 



78 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

other of the Professors & two of the Stud ts, viz a 

son of Mr. Laws & a Neph. of Barrys dined here & all 

ret d. 
11. Mr. Fitzhugh & his oldest daughter dined here 

he went away afterwards & Mr. McHenry, Sect y of 

War came in the evening. 

12. The following Comp y dined here. Colos Fitz 
gerald & Simms, Mr. Herbert & Son Doct r Craik & 

Son Mr. L. Lee, Col Ramsey Cap. Young & L t Jones, 

Mr. Potts, Wm. Wilson, Mr. Porter, Doct r, Cook, Mr. 

Riddle, Mr. Lear, Mr. Tracey & six Ladies & 4 Gent n 

from Mr. Rogers. 

15. Mr. Law dined here & returned afterw ds. 

17 Mr. & Mrs. Fitzhugh & their younger daughter 

& son & Mr. Lear came to dinner, the last retu d after. 
18. Mr.Fitzhugh & all his family went away after 

dinner. 
19. Miss Digges & her niece, Miss Carroll dined 

here. 
20. Went up to Alex a with Mrs. W. & Miss Custis 

Dined at Doct r Craiks, ret d in ye aftn. 
22. Mr. Mrs. Dalton & their two daughters came here 

to dinner. 

23. Mr. Lear came in the M g stayed all day. 

24. Doct r Stuart & Mr. Geo. Graham dined here, 

the last went away afterwards. 

25. This family & Mr. Dalton s di d with Mr. Lee. 

26. Mr. Herbert, wife, 2 daughters, son & Mr. & Mrs. 

Whiting dined here as did the Count Inznar & Mr. 

Merchant. all went aw 

29. Doct r Craik din d h 

31. Mr. L. Washington Mr. Foot & a Maj r Parker 

dined here and returned. 

August 1798. 

2. Morning clear and calm Mer. at 74. Clear all day 
Wind Southerly M. 80 at Night Mr. Lear dined here 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 79 

& Mrs. Washington of Bushfield & her G. daughter, 

Ann Wash n came in the Aftern n. 
5. Wash n Custis came home f m College. 
6. Went to Alex a to a meeting of the Pot o Co. Mr. 

Bur: (Burwell) Bassett came home with me. 
7. Mr. Lear & the boys dined here & with Mr. Bas- 

eett went afterward. 

. Doct r Stuart came to dinner. 

10 Mr. & Mrs. Thornton & Jno Herbert & G. W. 

Craik came to dinner, the two last returned. 
11. Gen l & Mrs. & Miss Spotswood & two younger 

daughters came in afternoon. 

14. Mr. Booker came in the aftern n. 

16. Mr. & Mrs. Ludwell & Miss Armstead & Mr. 

Fielding Lewis dined here & returned. 
16. Colo Simms & Lady, & Mr. Herbert & Son dined 

here. 
17. Mr. Tracey came in the Morn g & Mr. Harper at 

Night. 
18. Mr. Tracy went away after dinner & Mr. Booker 

in the Morn g. 
20. Mr. Harper went away after Breakfast. 

No acc t kept of the weather &c from hence to the 

end of the Month on acc t of my Sickness which com 
menced with a fever no the 19th & lasted until the 

24th, which left me debilitated. 

On the 28th there was a very refreshing Rain but not 
ufFt to go to the Roots of Indian Corn which was suffer 
ing very much for want of it. 

September 1798 

2. ,Mr. White came to dinner. 

3. In the Morning to breakfast came Gen l Marshall 

& Mr. Bushrod Washington and to dinner the At y 

Gen l Chas Lee, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Keith & Doc. Craik 

the last went away. 
4. In the Afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Parks of Frederiskb g 

came here. 



80 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

5. Gen l Marshall & Mr. B, Washington went to a 

dinner in Alex a given to the former by the Citizen s 
there & returned. 

6. Mr. Marshall & Mr. B. Washington went away 

before breakfast Mr. Wm Craik came to breakfast & 
returned afterwards, and Mr. Jno. Herbert & Mr. Rob t 
Burwell came to dinner the latter returned after it 
the former stayed all Night. 

7. Mr. Herbert went after dinner. 

8. Mr. & Mrs. Parks left this after breakfast. 

13. Mrs. Fairfax and daughter Miss Dennison and 

a Mrs. Tibbies dined here. 

15. Mr. White came to dinner. 

16. Doct r Stuart & Doc r Craik came to dinner 

day warm. 

17. Mr. White & Doctors went away this morning. 

19. Doct r Craik came in the Morning to visit Mr. L. 

Lewis & stayed all day & Night. 

20. Went up to the Federal City Dined & Lodg d at 

Mr. Thos. Peters. 

21. Examined in company with the Com rs some of 

the Lots in the Vicinity of the Capital & fixed upon 
No. 16, in 634 to build on. Dined & lodged at Mr. Laws. 

22. Came home with Mr. T. Peter, wife & 2 Children 

to Dinner Mer. at 70 at Night and evening cool. 

23. Mr. & Mrs. Nichols & his brother & Mr. Swan- 
wick dined here. 

25. Mr. Geo. Steptoe Washington who came to din 
ner yesterday returned today & Mr. Peter set off for 
New Kent Mer. 64 at Noon and 58 at Night. 

26. Mr. Tracey came here to dinner. 

27. Mr. Jno. Herbert came to dinner and a Major 

Simons of Charleston in the aftera n. 

28. Maj r Simons \\ent away in the Morning & Mr. 

Herbert & Mr. Tracy in the afternoon. 

30. Morning clear & calm Mer. at 44 clear all day. 
Went to Church in Alex a. Mer. 59 at Night. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 81 

October 1798 
4. Mr. Jno. Herbert & Mr. G. W. Craik dined here & 

Capt: Jno. Spotswood came in the evening. 
5. Doct r Thornton, Mr. Law .and a Mr. Baldo, a 

Spanish Gentleman from the Havanna came to Dinner. 
6. Mr. Bushrod Washington & Capt n Blackburn 

came to dinner & Mr. Thos. Peter returned in the after 
noon from New Kent. 
7. Mr. B. Washington & Capt n Blackburn went 

away after Breakf t. 
10. and eleventh absent in the Federal City Weather 

warm & dry the whole time. M. Welch & Mr. Tracey 

came in the afternoon. 
12. Mr. Welch & Mr. Tracey went in the Forenoon 

& Mr. Wm. Craik came to dinner. 
13. Gen l Lee, Capt n Presley Thornton & Mr. Peters 

came to dinner. Wd. Easter 

14. Gen l Lee & Capt n Thornton went away after 

breakfast & Mr. Booker came at Night. 
16. The Attorney Gen l of the United States Lee and 

Lady & Mr. Wm. Craik dined here & ret d. 
17. Mr. Law a Mr. David Barry and a Mr. Sheddon 

came to dinner & staid the Night. 

18. Mr. Law & his Company went away after break 
fast. 
24. Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Peake and Doctor Stuart 

dined here, the two first went away afterwards. M. 56 

at Night. 
25. Doct r Stuart & Mr. Booker went away after 

breakfast. M. 65 at N. 
26. Mr. & Mrs. Law, with Gov r Crawford (late of Bur- 

muda) & Lady came to dinner. 
28. The Att y Gen l U. S., Mr. Jno. Hopkin & Mr. 

Ch s. T. Mercer dined here & returned. 

29. Mr. & Mrs. Law, Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Gov r 

Crawford & Lady all went after breakfast. 

31. Doct r Craik visited Patients at Union farm & 

dined here. 



S3 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

November 1798. 

2. Mr. Law, Mr. Hasler of Demarrara & Lady came 

to dinner. 

4 Clear but Cool. Mr. Fitzhugh, Mr. David Ran 
dolph & Mr. Alex r White came to dinner, & the two 
first went away afterwards Mr. Hasler & Lady went 
away afterbreakfast & Mrs. Law came at Night. 

5. Mr. White went away before brekfast I set out on a 
journey to Phila., about 9 o clock with Mr. Lear my 
Secretary was met at the Turnpike by a party of 
horse & escorted to the Ferry at George Town where 
I was rec d with Military honors lodged at Mr. T. 
Peters. 

6. Breakfasted at Bladensburgh dined & lodged at Spur 
riers. Escorted by horse. 

7. Breakfasted at Baltimore dined at Websters, & lodged 
at Hartford Met at Spurriers by the Baltimore horse 
& escorted in and out by the same Viewed a Brigade 
of Militia at Balt e. 

S. Breakfasted at Susquehanna escorted by the Hartford 
horse dined at Elkton and lodged at Christiana 
bridge. 

9. Breakfasted in Wilmington & dined & lodged at Ches 
ter wait g at the latter the Return of an Exp s at this 
place was met by sev l Troops of PhiTa horse. 

10. With this Escort I arrived in the City about 9 o clock 
& was rec d by Gen l McPhersons Blues & was escorted 
to my lodgings in 8th Street (Mrs. White s) by them 
& the Horse. 

11. 12, & 13 dined at my Lodgings receiving many Visits 
Weather clear & pleasant. 

14. Dined at Maj r Jackscns. 

15. Dined at Mr. Tench Francis s. Rain at Night. 

16. Dined at the Seecret y of the Trea y. 

17. Ditto at Mr. Willings. 

18. Ditto at My lodgings Weather cloudy and heavy. 

19. Ditto at Doct r Whites Bishop Raining. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 83 

20. Dined at the Secretary of Wars Violent Snow Storm 
from No Et 

21. Dined at Maj r Reeds Senator s. 

22. Dined at Mr. Binghams. 

23. Ditto at Mr. Sam l Meridiths, Treasurer. 

24. Ditto at the Secretary of States. 

25. Ditto at my Lodgings. 

26. Dined at the Presidents of the U. States. 

27. Dined in a family with Mr. Morris. 

28. Dined with Judge Peters. 

29. Ditto with the British Minister. 

30. Ditto with the Gov r of the State, Gov r Mifflin. 

December (1798) 

1. Dined with Mr. Rawle. 

2. Ditto with Bingham. From hence until my leaving the 
City on the 

13. I dined at my lodgings. 

14. After dinner set out on my journey home. Reached 
Chester. 

15. Breakfasted at Wilmington, bated at Christiana 
and dined and lodged at Elkton. 

16. Set out after a very early breakfast; and was detain 
ed at Susquehanna from 10 Oclock until the next morn 
ing partly by Ice and Winds but principally by the 
Lowness of the tides occasioned by the No Westerly 
Winds. 

17. Breakfasted at Barneys Bated at Hartford Dined 
at Websters and lodged at Baltimore. 

18. Breakfasted at Spurriers dined at Rhodes s and 
lodged at Mr. Laws in the Federal City. 

19. Stopped at Doet r Thorntons and Mr. Peter s & dined 
at home. Snow having fallen about 3 inches deep in 
the night. 

24th. Doct r Craik came to D. & Judge Gushing & 

lady in the Afternoon As did a Mr. Dinsmoor, Agent 
in the Cherokee country on his way to Philadelphia 
with a Mr._ 



94 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

25. Gen l Pinckney, Lady & daughter came to dinner, 

and Captain Jno. Spotwood in the Afternoon. 

27. Clear morning, but spitting of snow in the Evening, 
little however fell. Mer. at 25 in the Morning* 

28. Gen l Pinckney, Lady & daughter left this 

after breakfast. 

January 1799 

23. Lowering Mer. at 40. Wind (tho but very little of 
it) Southerly. Lowering through the day. Mr. Bush- 
rod Washington came to dinner. 

25. Doct r Stuart & family & Mr. Bush d Wash n went 
away after breakfast. 

February 1799. 

7. Clear & pleasant all day Mer. at 20 in the Morning 

but little Wind and that Easterly Doct r Thorn, and 

Mas r Turner came to dinner. 
8. Mr. Thos. Digges dined here & returned. Mr. 

Tracy came to dinner. 

9. Thornton & Turner went away ab t Noon. 

11. Went up to Alexandria to the celebration of my 

birthday Many manoevers were performed by the 

Uniform Corps, and an elegant Ball & supper at night. 
12. Wind westerly and day clear and pleasant. Returned 

home Mr. N. Fitzhugh & brother & Mr. Thos. Wash n 

came to dinner. 

16. Mr. & Mrs. Peters came to dinner. 

18. Mrs. Stuart and her 3 daughters came here in 

the afternoon. 

20. Doct r Baynham dined here. 

21. Mr. Ch s Carter, v/ife & daughter came to dinner 

& Mr. Robt. Lewis in the afternoon. 
22. Morning raining Mre. at 30 

*The following Gentlemen dined here the 27th, viz Messrs. 
Wm. Fitzhugh, Wm. Herbert Potts Wilson Doct r Craik & SOB, 
Geo: Washington Craik. Heath & Doct r Greenhow of Richmond. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 85 

24. *The Rev d Mr. Davis & Mr. Geo. Calvert came to 
dinner, & Miss Custis was married ab t Candlelight to 
Mr. Lawrence Lewis. 

25. Clear & very cold in the Morning, and through the 
day Mer. at 12 in the morning and 22 at night. Wind 
at No Wt. River nearly closed with Ice. Mr. L. Lee, 
Mrs. Lee & Miss French Mr. Herbert, Mr. Jno. Her 
bert & Miss Herbert, Doca r Craik & Mr. G. W. Craik, 
Miss Fitzhugh, Miss Moly Fitzhugh & Miss Chew & 
Colo Fitzgerald dined here & returned. 

26 Mrs. Potts, Mrs. Fendall, Mr. And w Ramsay 

& wife, Mr. Wm. Ramsey Mr. Edm d Lee & sister Lucy, 
and Mr. Hodgden dined here & returned, and Mr. Bush- 
rod Washington came in the afternoon. 

27. Mr. Thomson Mason & wife, and Mr. Nicholls 

& wife dined here & returned. 

March 1799. 

3. Mrs. Stuart & her 3 daughters (Stuarts ( and Mr. 

& Mrs. Peters went away after breakfast. 

4. Mr. & Mrs. Carter went away after Breakfast. 

5. Mr. Law e Lewis & wife went up to the Fed l City. 

6. Mr. & Mrs. Law went away today. 

8. Mr. Mrs. & Miss Carter returned this afternoon. 

9. Morning clear but lowering, and at times raining 
through the day. Major Pinckney came in the Evening. 

10. Mr. Carter & family and Major Pinckney left 

this after breakfast, and young Mr. Barry with a Span 
ish Officer, a Mr. O Higgens came to dinner and re 
turned afterwards. 

16. A Mr. Boyd & his Brother from Boston din d 

here. 

23. Mr. & Mrs. Law e Lewis returned from the 

Federal City. 

24. Mr. Robt. Stith came to dinner & stayed all N. 

25. Doct r Craik & Mr. Foot dined here & returned 

in the afternoon. 



86 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

26. Mr. Stith went away after breakfast. 

29. Mr. Burwell Bassett came in the Evening. 

31. Mr. Bassett went away after breakfast. 

April 1799. 

3. Extreme cold (but forgot to see what the mercury 
was). Wind very high from No Wt, and continued so 
all day. Went up to Four Mile Run to run round my 
land. They got on the g rd about 10 o clock and in 
Company with Capt n Steer and Mr. Luke com 
menced the survey on 4 Mile Run & ran agreeably to 
the Notes taken. In the evening went to Alex a and 
lodged myself at Mr. Fitzhughs. 

4. Recommenced the survey at the upper end and where 
we left off, in company with Colo Little, Capt n Steer 
( ?) and Mr. Will m Adams & rount d it agreeably to the 
notes until we came to 4 Mile Run again which em 
ployed us until dark. Returned to Alex a and again 
lodged at Mr. Fitzhughs. 

5. Returned home to Breakfast. 

6. Mr. White, the Fed l Commd came to dinner and 

Colo Ball after dinner. 

8. Colo Ball & Mr. White went after breakfast. 

9 Mrs. Washington at Home. 

11. Mr. Foot dined here, & with Mrs. Washington 

returned home in the afternoon. 
12. Doct r Wade came this aft n. Spread Plaster of 

Paris this morning on the circle & sides before the door 

& on the Lawn to the cross Path betw n the Garden 

gates & on the clover by the stable. 
17. Mr. Tayloe, Esq r & Mr. Jno. Herbert came here 

to dinner. 
18. Mr. Tayloe & Mr. Jno. Herbert went away after 

breakfast. 
20. Mrs. Washington, of Hayfield, Gen l O Donald, 

Mr. Barry, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Thompson & a Doct r dined 

here & returned. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 67 

21. A Mr. B. Happesley Coxe, Esq r recom d by Mr. 

Bingham ( ?) came here to dinn r. 
22. Mr. Coxe went away after breakfast & Mr. Van 

Statherst ( ?) came to dinner, & Dr. Craik to see Mr. 

Lear afterwards. 
23 Doct r Craik went away before breakfast & a Maj r 

Jones, a british officer came to dinner & Mr. George 

Peter at night. 
24. Gentlemen who came yesterday went away after 

breakfast and I went up to Alex a to an Election of a 

Representative from the District to Congress, & from 

the County to the State Legisla e. 

25. Doct r Stuart came to dinner. 

26. Doct r Stuart went away after breakfast and Mr. 

& Mrs. Lawrence Lewis came from Hope Park in the 

afternoon. 

28. Doct r Craik & a Mr. Halsted dined here & re 
turned. 
29. Went up to run round my land on 4 Mile Run. 

Lodged at Colo Littles. 
30. Engaged in the same business as yesterday & 

returned home in the afternoon 

May 1799. 

3. Messrs Wm. L. Washington and a Mr. Jeffries din 
ed here & returned. 

6. Mr. & Mrs. Lewis set out on their journey. 

9. Gen l Lee, Messrs R. B. Lee & Wm. Ludwell Lee, 

Mr. Fitzhugh, Mr. Page & Mr. T. Turner dined here & 
returned in the Evening. 

10. Mr. Thos. Digges & Jas Welch dined here & ret d. 

11. Doct r Stuart came to dinner & a Mr. Small af 
terwards Both stayed at night. 

12. Doct r Stuart went away after Breakfast & Mr. 

Short after dinner Mr. White came to dinner. 

13. Mr. White went away before breakfast. 

14. Maj r Wm. Harrison came here to dinner. 

15. ._Mr. Thomson Mason came here to breakfast aa4 



88 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

attended Maj r Harrison & me on the survey of the lat- 

ters land, & both dined here as did a Mr. Season ( ?) 
16. Went up to Alexandria to the Purse Race & re 
turned in the Evening. Mr. Law & Doct r Thornton 

here. 
18. A Mr. Boies & Lady, from Boston dined here & 

returned to Alex a. 
19. Mr. Peak, Miss Eaglin (?) & a Mr. Brent dined 

here and went away afterwards, as did Mr. Law & Doc. 

Thornton. 
20 A Mr. Hancock from Boston & a Mr. Smith from 

Portsmouth dined here. 
21. Mr. Fitzhugh & two daughters, Mr. Mrs. & Miss 

Turner, Messrs. W. & Washington Craik & Mr. Jno. 

Herbert dined here the last & Mr. Turner s family 

stayed the night. 

22. Mr. Mrs. & Miss Turner and Mr. Herbert went 

away after breakfast. 

23. Mr. Thos. Adams, third son to the President, & 

Mr Joshua Johnson, Lady & son came to din r. 
24. Col. Ball came to breakfast, and went away after 

dinner. Mr. T. Peter & Mrs. Peter & young Powell 

came to dinner. 
25. All the company except Mr. & Mrs. Peter went 

away after breakfast. 
26. Mr. & Mrs. Peter went away after breakfast. 

Mr. & Mrs, Nichols came to dinner & Maj r Geo. Lewis 

& Doct r Welford came in the afternoon. 
27. Capt n Presley Thornton & Lady came to dinner 

as did Mr. Lear, 

28. All the strangers went away after breakfast. 

31, Went up to the Fed l City dined & lodged with 

Mr. Peter. 

June 1799. 

1. Dined and lodged at Mr. Laws. 

2. Returned home to dinner tak g church at Alex a 

in my way. 

Found Doct r Stuart here. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 89 

3. Doct r Stuart went away after Breakfast. 

5. A Mr. Ch s. Newbald from New Jersey dined 

here & went away afterwards. 

9. Mr. Alex r White came to dinner. 

10. Mr. Page & Mr. Selden dined here, A went away 

afterwa ds. 
11. Bishop Carroll, Mr. Digges & his sister Carroll, 

Mr. Page & Doct r Craik all dined here. 
13. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax & Miss Dennison dined 

here. 
15. Capt n Geo. S. Washington & Mr. Robt. Lewis 

came in the afternoon. 
16. Dcot r & Mrs. Stuart & their 3 daughters came 

here to dinner. 
17. Capt n Washington & Mr. Lewis went away early 

this morning, & Doct r Stuart aft. 

18. Mrs. Washington came to dinner. 

19. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax & Mr. Donaldson and Mr. 

Foote came to Dinner ?\nd went away afterwards, as 

did Mrs. Washington. 

20. The following company dined here Chief -Jus 
tice of the U. S. Ellsworth, Mr. & Mrs. Steer, Sen r, 

Mr. & Mrs. Steer, Jun r Mr. Van Havre, Mr. & Mrs. 

Ludwell Lee, Mrs. Corbin Washington, Mr. & Mrs. 

Hodgson & Miss Cora Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Calvert 

and a Cap n Hamilton & Lady from the Bahama 

Islands. 
22. Dr. Stuart s family & Mr. & Mrs. Calvert went 

away after breakfast. 

July 1799. 

1. Doct r Tazewell & Mr. Burwell Bullett came to 

dinner. 
2. Doct r Tazewell & Mr. Bullett went away in the 

morning, & a Capt n Moore, from the East Indies & a 

Mr. Teal ( ?) from Phila. csme to dinner & returned to 

Alex a in the afternoon. 



90 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

3. Doct r Stuart & a Parson Laltum (?) from Penn 
sylvania dined here & left it in the afternoon. 

4. Went up to Alex a and dined with a number of the 

citizens there in celebration of the anniversary of the 
Declaration of American Independ ce at Kemps Tavern. 

6. Doctors Tazewell & Thornton came in the evening. 

7. Mr. Will m Booker came in the evening. 

9. Doctors Tazwell & Thornton went away before 

breakfast. 

10. Mr. & Mrs. Law & a Mr. Dunn came here to din 
ner. 

12. Doct r Tazewell & Mr. G. W. Craik came here in 

the afternoon. Mr. Booker went away. 

14. Gov. (?) Lee & Mr. W. Craik dined here Doct r 

Tazewell went away after dinner. 

16. Mr. Dunn left this after breakfast. 

17. Colonels Powell & Simrns and Mr. Herbert and 

Judge Washington, Capt n Backburn & Mr. H. Turner 
dined here. The three first went away in the after 
noon. 

18. Capt n Blackburn went away after breakfast. 

19. Judge Washington & Mr. H. Turner left this 

after dinner. 

20. Mr. Law went away after breakfast. 

22. Mr. Law returned this afternoon. 

23. Mr. Needham Washington came in the afternoon. 

25. Very little wind, and very warm, but being unwell, 
no acc t was taken of the Mer. Visited by Doct r Craik. 

26. Doct r Craik went away after breakf st. 

30 A Major Riddle (a British officer), Colo Fitzger 
ald, & Mr. James Patton and Mr. B. Bassett came to 
dinner. The first three went away afterw ds. 

August 1799 

2. Capt n Blue of the Am n army who came here yes 
terday to dinner returned today after breakf. 

4. Dcot r Stuart & his brother Richard & Mr. Foot 

dined here & returned afterwards. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 91 

5. Clear & warm Went up to George Town, to a general 
meeting of the Potomac Company dined at the Union 
Tavern and lodged at Mr. Law s. 

6. Clear & warm returned home to dinner found Gen l 
Wm. Washington of So. Carolina & son here, Wind 
Southerly. 

7. The following Gentlemen dined here, viz: Colo 

Fitzgerald, Doct r Craik & son, Mr. Wm. Craik, Mr. Her 
bert & son, Jno. C. Herbert, Colo Ramsey, Mr. Potts, 
Mr. Edm d Lee, Mr. Keith, Lieut. Kean of the Marines 
and Mr. Chas. Fen ton Mercer. 

8. General Washington & Son went away after 

breakfast & Dr. & Mrs. Jenifer came to dinner. 

9. Doct r & Mrs. Jenifer went away after break 
fast, as did Mrs. Law, Mr. Law hav g left it on Monday 
last. 

15. Mr. Thomas Digges dined here. 

16. Young Mr. McCarty dined here. 

2.3 Mr. & Mrs. Law came here to Dinner. 

24. Mr. White came to dinner, as did 4 Gentlemen 

from Phila., viz : young Mr. Meridith (son of the Treas 
urer) Mr. Clifton, a Mr. Walter & ,the 4 last 

returned after dinner. 

31. Morning clear Mer. at 76. Calm 82 at highest & 78 
Night. Messrs. Willm. & George Craik dined here & 
returned. 

September 1799 

1. A brisk Southerly wind in the Morning clear & 
Mer. at 70 and at night 83, Cloud, thunder & lightning 
& Rain to the northward of us, but none fell here. 
Doct r Craik dined here sent for to Mrs. Washington 
who was sick. 

3. Mrs. Washington & her Dr., of Bushfield & 

B. Washington & Wife, & Dr. Stuart came in. 

5. Doct r Stuart went away after breakfast. 

6. Mr. B. W. & wife went after breakfast Doct r 

Craik, who was sent for in the night to Mrs. Washing 
ton, came early this morning. 



92 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

7. Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Gen l Washington came 

in the afternoon. Gen l Washington went away after 
breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. Law came to dinner. 

10. Mrs. Washington & her grand-daughter went 

away after breakfast Doct r Stuart came to dinner, 
& Doct r Craik (sent for) came in the afternoon. 

11. Doctors Craik & Stuart, & Mr. Peter went away 

after breakfast. 

12. Capt n Truxton came to dinner. 

13. Mr. & Mrs. Law went away after breakfast & 

Doctor Thornton came to dinner. 

17. Doct r Thornton went away after breakfast 

& Mr. Thos. Peter & his brother Lieut t Peter came to 
Dinner. 

18. Mr. George Peter went away after breakf t. 

20. Mr. Ludwell Lee and Messrs. Stanton & Parker 

from the Eastern shore of Virginia and a Mr. Hilton 
dined here & went away afterwards. 

21. Mr. Alex. White came to dinner. 

23. Mr. Alex White went a way after B . 

24. Mr. Thos. Peter went away after breakfast. 

25. Mrs. & Miss Fairfax & Miss Dennison dined 

here & returned & Doct r Stuart came in the Evening. 

27. Governor Davie on his way to the Northward to 

Embark as Envoy to France called, dined & Proceeded 
on. Mr. T. Peter came. 

29. Doct r Craik came to dinner on a visit to Mrs. 

Washington & stayed all night. 

30. Doct r Craik went after Breakf. 

October 1799. 

1. ____Mrs. Fairfax, sister & daughter, & Mrs. Herbert 
& Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Jno. Herbert & two of Wm. Wash 
ington of Fairfields sons dined here. Mrs. Fairfax 
&ca went away after dinner the others remained. 

2. Mrs. Herbert, Mrs. Nelson &ca went away. 

4. Mrs. Peak dined here and in the Afternoon Colo 

Jno. Walker & Mr. Hugh Nelson came here. 

7. Mr. Peter went to Geo. Town this Morn g. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 93 

9. Colo Walker & Mr. Nelson set out for the City 

of Washington after breakfast. 

10. Mr. T. Peter returned to night. 

12. Mr. Mrs. Peter & family went away after 

breakfast & Mr. Law s Lewis and his wife came to din 
ner. 

24. Mrs. Swanwick (?) dined here. Mrs. Stuart 

& family went up to Alex. 

25. Mr. & Mrs. Liston and Mr. Oilman left this 

after breakfast, and Mr. Law e Washington, Junior, 
came here at night. 

26. Doct r Stuart & family and young McCarty re 
turned here to Dinner. 

27. Doct r Stuart & family and Mr. Law e Wash 
ington & young McCarty all went away after breakfast, 

28. A Mr. Ridout, an English Gentleman and his Lady 

dined here as did Mr. G. W. Craik. Mr. Lear set out 
for Harpers Ferry to make some arrangement with 
Colo Parker respecting cantoning the Troops. 

29. Colo Griff en, Mr. Law and a Mr. Valangin (an 

Eng h Gentleman introduced by Mr. Barthw Dan- 

dridge ) the latter went away afterwards. 

31. Colo Griff en & Mr. Law went away after break 
fast, and Mr. William Craik came here in the Aftern n. 

November 1799 

1 Mr. Craik went away after Breakfast Mer. 49 

at night. 
2. Mr. Jno. Fairfax, formerly an overseer of mine, 

came here before dinner and stayed all night. 
3. Morning cloudy Wind at No Et & Mer. at 42. -Clear 

evening. Mer. at 42. Mr. Valangin came to dinner. 

November 1799. 

4. A Mr. Teakle from Accomack County dined 

here & returned as did Doct r Craik. Mr. Lear return 
ed from Berkley. 



94 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

5. Morning and the whole day calm, clear & pleasant. 
Set out on a trip to Difficult-run to view some Land I 
had there, & some belonging to Mr. Jno. Gill, who had 
offered it to me in discharge of Rent which he was 
owing me. Dined at Mr. Nicholas Fitzhugh s and 
lodged at Mr. Corbin Washington s. 

6. Set out from thence after 8 o clock, being detained 
by sprinkling Rain, & much appearance of it until that 
hour reached Wiley s Tavern near Difficult Bridge to 
Breakfast, and then proceeded to survey my own Land, 
the day clearing and the weather becoming pleasant. 

7. Weather remarkably fine finished surveying my own 
Tract & the Land belonging to Gill, returning as the 
night before to Wiley s Tavern. 

8. Morning very heavy and about 9 o clock it commenced 
Raining, which it continued to do steadily through the 
day notwithstanding which I proceeded to ascertain 
by actual measurment the qualities. This being finish 
ed betw. 12 & 1 Oclock I returned to Wiley s Tavern & 
stayed there the remainder of the day. 

9. Morning & whole day clear, warm & pleasant. Set out 
a little after 8 O clock Viewed my biulding in the Fed l 
City. Dined at Mr. Law s & lodged at Mr. Thos. Pe 
ter s. 

10. Still remarkably fine, clear & pleasant Wind South 
erly Returned home about Noon. Mr. Law, Mr. Bar 
ry, Mr. White & Doct r Thornton came to dinner & 
stayed at night. 

11 The Gentlemen above mentioned went away 

after breakf t. 

14. Mr. Valangen came to dinner & stayed all 

night. 

15. Rode to visit Mr. now Lord Fairfax, who was 

just get g home from a trip to England. Ret d to din 
ner. 

16. Doct r Craik came here in the afternoon on a 

visit to sick people. 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 95 

17. A very heavy and thick fog Morning calm, & Mer. 
at 41. About 2 Oclock the Sun came out and the af 
ternoon was pleasant. Went to Church in Alexandria 
& dined with Mr. Fitzhugh. On my return f d young 
Mr. McCarty here on his way back from the Federal 
City. Young McCarty came to Din r. 

20. Mr. McCarty went away after breakfast, and 

Mrs. Summers, Midwife for Mrs. Lewis came here abt 
3 o cl k. 

21. Mrs. Stuart & the two eldest Miss Stuarts came 

here to dinner. 

22. Colo Carrington & lady came in the aftern n. 

23. Colo Carrington & Lady went away after Break 
fast Doct r Craik came to dinner & Doct r Stuart at 
Night. 

25. Doct r Craik & Doct r Stuart both went away 

after Breakfast. 

27 Doct r Craik who was sent for to Mrs. Lewis 

(& who was delivered of a daughter ab t o clock in 

the forenoon came to Breakfast & stayed dinner Mr. 
Dublois dined here, and both went away afterwards. 

28 Colo & Mrs. Carrington came to Dinner. 

29 Young D. McCarty came to dinner and Mr. How- 
ell Lewis & wife after dinner. 

30. Colo & Mrs. Carrington went away after B f. 

December 1799. 

1. Mr. Foot dined here. 

2. Lord Fairfax & Lady, Daughter & Miss Denni- 

son dined here. 
3. Mrs. Stuart & daughters went away after 

breakfast. 

7. Dined at Lord Fairfax s. 

9. Mr. Howell Lewis & wife set off on their 

return home after breakfast, and Mr. Lawe Lewis and 

Washington Custis on a journey to ( ?) 

11. But little wind and Raining Mer. at 44 in the morn- 



6 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

ing and 38 at Night. About 9 Oclock the Wind shifted 
to No Wt & it ceased raining but continued cloudy. 
Lord Fairfax, his son Thos. and daughter, Mrs. Warren 
(?) Washington & son, Whiting, and Mr. Jno. Herbert 
dined here and returned after dinner. 
13. Morning snowing and ab t 3 Inches deep. Wind at No. 
Et. & Mer at 30. Cont d snowing till 1 Oclock, and 
ab t 4 it became perfectly clear Wind in the same 
place but not hard. Mer. 28 at Night. 
(General Washington died the following day.) 



Appendix 



This rare letter of President Washington is here presented by 
the courtesy of Mr. Martin F. Douglas, of Greensboro, N. C. 

Mount Vernon, May 20th, 1792. 
My dear Sir. 

As there is a possibility if not a probability, that I shall not 
ee you on your return home! or, if I should se you that it may 
be on the road and under circumstances which will prevent my 
speaking to yo u on the subject we last conversed upon; I take 
the liberty of committing to paper the following thoughts, & 
requests. 

I have not been unmindful of the sentiments expressed by yom 
in the conversations just alluded to: on the contrary I hare 
again, and again revolved them, with thoughful anxiety; but with 
out being able to dispose my mind to a longer continuation in the 
effice I have now the honor to hold. I therefore still look forward 
to the fulfillment of my fondest and most ardent wishes to spend 
the remainder of my days (which I cannot expect will be many) 
in ease & tranquility. 

Nothing short of conviction that my deriliction of the Chair 
of Government (if it should be the desire of the people to contin 
ue me in it) would involve the Country in serious disputes re 
specting the chief magistrate, & the disagreeable consequences 
which might result therefrom in the floating, & divided opinions 
which seem to prevail at present, could, in any wise, induce me 
to relinquish the determination I have formed: and of this I do 
not see how any evidence can be obtained previous to the Election. 
My vanity, I am sure is not of that cast as to allow me to 
Yiew the subject in this light. 

Under these impressions, then, permit me to reiterate the request 
I made to you at our last meeting namely to think of the 
proper time, and best mode of anouncing the intention; and that 
you would prepare the latter. In revolving this subject myself, 
y judgment has always been embarrassed. On the one hand, a 
previous declaration to retire not only carries with it the appear 
ance of vanity & self importance, but it may be construed into 
a manoeuvre to be invited to remain. And on the other hand, to 
say nothing, imply s consent; or at any rate, would leave the mat- 

97 



98 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

+er In doubt; and to decline afterwards might be deemed as bad, 
& untandid. 

I would fain carry my request to you farther than is asked 
above, although I am sensible that your compliance with it must 
add to your trouble; but as the recess may afford you leisure, 
and I flatter myself you have dispositions to oblige me, I will, 
without apology desire (if the measure in itself should strike you 
as proper, & likely to produce public good, or private honor) that 
you would turn your thoughts to a valedictory address from 
me to the public, expressing in plain and modest terms that 
having been honored with the Presidential Chair, and to the beat 
of my abilities contributed to the Organization & Administra 
tion of the government that having arrived at a period of lifle 
when the private walks of it, in the shade of retirement, becomes 
necessary and will be most pleasing to me; and the spirit of the 
government may render a rotation in the Elective Officers of it 
more congenial with their ideas of liberty & safety, that I take 
my leave of them as a public man; and in bidding them adieu 
(retaining no other concern than such as will arise from fervent 
wishes for the prosperity of my Country) I take the liberty at 
my departure from civil, as I formerly did at my military exit to 
invoke a continuation of the blessings of Providence upon it 
and upon all those who are the supporters of its interests, and 
the promoters of harmony, order & good government. 

That to impress these things it might, among other things 
be observed, that we are all the children of the same country 
a country great and rich in itself capable, & promising to be, 
as prosperous and happy as any the Annals of history have ever 
brought to our view That our interest, however deversified in 
local & smaller matters is the same in all the great & essential 
concerns of the Nation: That the extent of our Country the 
diversity of our climate & soil and the various productions 
of the States consequent of both, are such as to make one part 
not only convenient, but perhaps indispensably necessary to the 
other parts: and may render the whole (at no distant period) 
one of the most independent in the world: That the establish 
ed government being the work of our own hands, with the seeds 
of amendment engrafted in the Constitution, may by wisdom, good 
dispositions, and mutual allowances, aided by experience, bring it 
as near to perfection as any human institution ever aproximated; 
and therefore, the only strife among us ought to be, who should 
be foremost in facilitating & finally accomplishing such great & 
desirable objects; by giving every possible support, & cement to 
the Union. That however necessary it may be to keep a watch- 



FROM 1791 TO 1799 99 

fnl eye over public servants, & public measures yet there ought 
to be limits to it; for suspicions unfounded, and jealousies too 
lively, are irritating- to honest feelings, and oftentimes are pro 
ductive of more evil than good. 

To enumerate the various subjects which might be introduced 
into such an address would require thought; and to mention them 
to you would be unnecessary, as your own judgment will com 
prehend all that will be proper; whether to touch, specifically, 
any of the exceptionable parts of the Constitution may be doubted. 
All I shall add therefore at present, is, to beg the favor of 
you to consider 1st the propriety of such an address. 2d if ap 
proved, the several matters which ought to be contained in it 
and 3d the time it should appear: that is, whether at the declar 
ation of my intention to withdraw from the service of the public 
or to let it be the closing act of my administration which, will 
end with the next Session of Congress (the probability being that 
that body will contiue sitting until March.) when the House of 
Representatives will also dissolve. 

Though I do not wish to hurry you (the cases not pressing,) 
in the execution of either of the publications before mentioned, 
yet I should be glad to hear from you generally on both and 
to receive them in time, if you should not come to Philadelphia 
until the Session commences, in the form they are finally to take. 
I beg leave to draw your attention also to such things as you 
shall conceive fit subjects for communication on that occasion; 
and noting them as they occur that you would be so good as to 
furnish me with them in time to be prepared and engrafted 
with others for the opening of the Session 

With very sincere and 

Affectionate regard 
I am ever Yours 
GO Washington. 
James Madison, Junr, Esqr. 



WASHINGTON S PRAYER FOR THE NATION. 

This prayer of Washington is a recent discovery and is here 
opied and appended. 

Recently there was placed upon the beautiful altar of the Wash 
ington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge an exquisitely illumi- 
*ated copy of Washington s prayer for the nation, 

"Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wflt 
keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that thou wilt i*~ 



100 WASHINGTON S DIARIES 

cline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordina 
tion and obedience to govenment; and entertain a brotherly affec 
tion and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the 
United States at large. 

"And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dis 
pose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves 
with that charity, humility, and pacific temper in mind which 
were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed re 
ligion and without a humble imitation of whose example in these 
things we can never hope to be a happy nation. 

"Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen." 




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Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 






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